External Supports Improve Knee Performance In Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructed Individuals With Higher Kinesiophobia Levels

Background: The objectives of this studywere to investigate the effects of knee brace (KB) and kinesiotaping (KT) on functional performance and self-reported function in individuals sixmonths post-ACLRwho desired to return to their pre-injury activity levels but felt unable to do so due to kinesiophobia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 30 individuals six months post-ACLR with Tampa Kinesiophobia Scores N37. Individuals were tested under three conditions: no intervention, KB and KT in a randomized order. Isokinetic concentric quadriceps and hamstring strength tests, one leg hop test, star excursion balance test and global rating scale were assessed under the three conditions. Results: The involved side showed that KT and KB significantly increased the hop distance (P=0.01, P = 0.04) and improved balance (P = 0.01, P = 0.04), respectively, but only KB was found to increase the quadriceps and hamstring peak torques compared to no intervention (P b 0.05). Individuals reported having better knee function with KB when compared to no intervention (P b 0.001) and KT (P=0.03). Conclusions: Both KB and KT have positive effects in individuals post-ACLR which may assist in reducing kinesiophobia when returning to their pre-injury activity levels, with the KB appearing to offer the participants better knee function compared to KT