Knee Joint Mechanics with a Tensioned Cable Brace During Lateral Shuffle Movements: An Exploratory Study

Background/Objectives: Noncontact knee ligament injuries, including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures and medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprains, are prevalent in sports that involve frequent cutting and pivoting. Conventional rigid knee braces can offer stability but often compromise comfort and performance, whereas soft sleeve-type supports provide minimal mechanical protection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute biomechanical effects of a tensioned cable knee bracing system on peak knee valgus angle and external knee abduction moment during a controlled lateral shuffle task. Methods: Ten physically active adults (mean age 21.7 ± 3.8 years) performed submaximal lateral shuffle movements under three conditions: unbraced, sleeve-only (zero-tension), and a novel tensioned cable brace. Three-dimensional knee kinematics and ground reaction forces were collected, and peak knee valgus angle and external abduction moment were calculated during the eccentric phase of each movement. Results: Wearing the knee brace under tension significantly reduced knee valgus angle (4.5° vs. 7.9°) and peak external knee abduction moment (1.6 vs. 2.0–2.1 Nm/kg) compared to the unbraced condition. Conclusions: These findings indicate that the tensioned cable brace effectively reduced frontal plane knee loading during a lateral shuffle task, indicating its potential as an effective bracing approach.