Ten questions in sports engineering: knee brace efficacy for sports injuries

Sabir, Tasneem ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2778-4947, Allen, Thomas ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4910-9149, Callaghan, Michael J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3540-2838 and Hodson-Tole, Emma ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1200-1724 (2025) Ten questions in sports engineering: knee brace efficacy for sports injuries. Sports Engineering, 28 (41). ISSN 1369-7072

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Abstract

With growing support for healthier lifestyles, focus on injury prevention solutions is on the rise. One debated topic is the use of knee braces for lower limb injuries. Current evidence and clinical recommendations in preventing and treating knee injuries have changed with the rapid development and refinement of knee braces. Given the diverse range of knee brace technologies available, this paper explores potential opportunities and provides direction to inform future research in this field. The ten questions paper examines the use of braces and the relationship between materiality, biomechanical design, and performance. It further explores challenges and issues associated to knee braces. It offers insight into redesigning braces with a view to bridge the gap in health equality. Through these questions, we hope to offer a fresh perspective on knee bracing and advance the understanding of future opportunities to improve knee brace design.