The effects of prophylactic knee bracing on running gait.

Although the use of prophylactic knee braces in football players is common, the effectiveness of this practice is questionable. Some studies have actually shown an increase in the incidence of lower extremity injuries in players wearing such braces. The purpose of this study was to determine if wearing a prophylactic knee brace (Omni Anderson Knee Stabler) caused an alteration in a normal running gait pattern that might then increase the risk for injury. Ten subjects with no prior history of knee injury or brace use were filmed in two planes while running on a treadmill at 5 mph. Two-dimensional digital analysis of each subject's running gait with and without the use of knee braces was performed. The duration of the gait cycle and the range of motion and velocity of movements at the knee, hip, and ankle joints were determined in each leg for each condition. No differences were found between braced and nonbraced conditions for any of the measured variables. Therefore, we conclude that the use of the Omni Anderson Knee Stabler does not alter gait pattern of the lower extremities while running on a treadmill.