Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2006

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Health, Physical Education, and Recreation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to create a subjective instrument utilized in conjunction with prophylactic bracing. This survey questioned how an athlete perceives functional limitations and perceptions regarding his particular brace. This information is crucial for the sports medicine team, coaches, brace engineers, marketers, and most importantly the athlete to make the most educated choice when selecting a prophylactic brace. The subjective instrument consisted of three domains, demographics, perception, and function and was generated from literature regarding knee braces of functional and prophylactic nature. Ten of thirteen collegiate football programs fitted with the Breg Fusion prophylactic knee brace (77%) participated in this study. Seventy-two of eighty-two surveys (88%) were completed and analyzed. Average age of respondents was 20.4±1.4 y/o. Data was analyzed with the Statistical Analysis System (SAS). Chronbach's alpha presented a value of. 72 for reliability. Logistical regression at (p <.05, .1, .25) was used to show which were reported significant with overall satisfaction with the Breg Fusion prophylactic knee brace. Overall all factors related to vulnerability to injury, company reputation, brace cost, and physical limitations imposed by the brace were deemed significant. The overall purpose of this study was achieved by analyzing overall satisfaction and which factors of perception and function were significant. Future studies with other populations utilizing prophylactic knee braces need to be done leading to consequent revision and delivery of this instrument. Ultimately, refining this instrument may lead to decreased costs associated with preventative knee bracing and knee injuries for active individuals.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Knee braces -- Evaluation

Knee -- Wounds and injuries -- Prevention

Football players -- Attitudes

College athletes -- Attitudes

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

64

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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