Knee Braces

Submitted by w2j2 on

I noticed that all the Wolverine offensive linemen are now wearing knee braces.  I have seen other teams do that, and it seems like a good idea to help prevent injuries. 

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Amutnal

September 1st, 2014 at 7:44 AM ^

There is limited evidence ACL knee braces prevent MCL injuries in O-lineman only. There is no evidence that they prevent ACL injuries at all. And theoretically they may increase chances of ankle injury. A meta-analysis by Michael Salata (former UM resident now part of Browns medical staff) actually found no good data to support prophylactic knee brace use in football players despite the one study's finding about MCL injuries in O-lineman. Also, I know that the Indianapolis Colts do NOT mandate knee braces for the reason that if say someone does get an ankle sprain then they might point fingers at whoever mandated them.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/23015962/


Joined: 02/05/2011

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jimt1023

September 1st, 2014 at 10:00 AM ^

I believe Hoke stated in a press conference early during his tenure that it would be mandatory for offensive lineman to wear them.

RR appears to have been optional. Not sure about before that.

Joined: 04/14/2010

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BlueinLansing

September 1st, 2014 at 11:23 AM ^

began wearing knee braces in the 1980's.  The only thing that has changed is the size and weight of said braces.

 

What is different today is you are starting to see other position players, particularly QB's wearing braces on knees that have given them problems.  Those things are very light weight and durable now.

 

Now if they can design a shoe that doesn't stick to the surface when a player is tackled, we're on to something.

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