Effects of Knee and Ankle Braces on Lower Limb Kinematics During Jump-Heading-Landing in Professional Soccer Players Following ACL Reconstruction

Objective This study investigated the effects of knee and ankle braces on lower limb kinematics during a jump-landing task incorporating heading in elite soccer players with a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).Methods Twelve male soccer players with ACLR and 12 healthy controls performed the task under three experimental conditions: without braces (WS), with a knee brace (KS), and with both knee and ankle braces (KAS).Kinematic data were collected using the Vicon motion analysis system, and hip, thigh, knee, and ankle angles were analyzed across five jump-landing phases. ResultsThe control group exhibited greater hip flexion during the take-off and peak phases in the WS condition (P=0.096,P=0.025).The ACLR group demonstrated greater hip flexion during take-off in the WS condition (P=0.035).Within-group comparisons revealed no significant differences during the landing and post-landing phases.Between-group comparisons showed that the ACLR group exhibited significantly greater pelvic tilt across all conditions (WS, KS, KAS) compared to controls.Additionally, the ACLR group had greater hip flexion during landing in the WS condition (P=0.033) and greater ankle plantar flexion in the KS condition (P=0.052)compared to controls.In the post-landing phase, the ACLR group exhibited greater hip flexion in the WS and KAS conditions (P=0.038).Conclusion Knee and ankle braces can alter lower limb joint movement patterns in ACLR athletes, which may help reduce injury risk.However, they may also impose movement restrictions that could impact athletic performance.These findings underscore the importance of balancing injury prevention with performance optimization when using braces in soccer players with ACLR.