Effect of prophylactic knee braces on athletic performance of collegiate football players

The performance of 15 collegiate football players wearing a knee brace versus not wearing a knee brace was studied to determine the effects of braces on performance. Three different athletic drills were performed with and without the knee braces. The BESS test, shuttle run, and the vertical jump were the drills of choice. Statistical analysis was performed using a matched paired t test as well as effect size. The shuttle run (p = .135), and the vertical jump (p = .624) were not found to be inhibited by knee braces. The BESS test (p = .008), was found to be altered by the use of knee braces. This study concludes that only certain aspects of an athlete's performance are affected by the use of knee braces.