Knee Braces and Sleeves in Alpine Skiing: A Narrative Review of ACL Injury Mechanisms, Mechanical and Neuromuscular Effects, and a Proposed Clinical Decision Framework_Vol. 3 No. 5 (JMPE 2026)_Journal of Medicine and Physical Education (ISSN: 3005-5806)

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Knee Braces and Sleeves in Alpine Skiing: A Narrative Review of ACL Injury Mechanisms, Mechanical and Neuromuscular Effects, and a Proposed Clinical Decision Framework

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jmpe.202618504

Author(s)

Xinpeng Li*

Affiliation(s)

Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China *Corresponding author.

Abstract

Alpine skiing combines high speed, uneven terrain, and demanding lower-limb loading; anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury therefore remains a common concern. Knee braces and soft knee sleeves are used in rehabilitation and on the slope, but their effects on mechanical stability, proprioception, neuromuscular control, and injury prevention remain unsettled. This narrative review synthesizes literature on skiing-related ACL injury mechanisms, braces, sleeves, proprioception, and neuromuscular control. It first describes how ACL injuries occur in alpine skiing and then considers the potential mechanical and neural effects, as well as the limitations, of protective devices. To organize the practical implications of this evidence, the review also proposes a conceptual clinical decision framework integrating knee status, the primary purpose of device use, skiing exposure, and device fit and tolerance. The framework is intended to support individualized discussion rather than serve as a validated prediction or treatment algorithm. The review further considers active recovery during breaks and neuromuscular adaptation training. Its aim is to provide a reasoned basis for individualized device selection and future clinical research.

Keywords

Alpine Skiing; Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Functional Knee Brace; Prophylactic Knee Brace; Knee Sleeve; Proprioception; Neuromuscular Control

References

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