The effects of brace stiffness on knee joints during pull-up jump shot movements in amateur female basketball players

Abstract

(1) Background: The pull-up jump shot is a commonly used scoring technique in basketball. This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical effects of knee brace stiffness on knee joint mechanics during the pull-up jump shot in female basketball players and to evaluate the potential risk of non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries associated with different stiffness levels. (2) Methods: Sixty-six female basketball players performed pull-up jump shot drills while kinematic and kinetic data were collected using a Vicon motion capture system and a Kistler ground reaction force (GRF) plate. (3) Results: A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that both low-stiffness and high-stiffness knee braces significantly reduced knee flexion angles (p = 0.001) but increased indirect contact forces in the sagittal plane (p < 0.01). Notable differences were observed between low-stiffness and high-stiffness braces, as well as between braced and unbraced conditions. However, no significant differences were detected between the effects of low-stiffness and high-stiffness braces. (4) Conclusions: Athletes should select knee braces based on the intensity of competition and training, and those with ACL concerns should opt for high-stiffness knee braces for enhanced joint stability.