How Much Do Braces Hinder Performance

[JeffGollin]

I've always wondered why players aren't required to wear at least knee braces on both legs as a precaution (similar to the reason why helmets are required).

Anyone want to venture a guess as to the percentages of knee injuries that might be reduced and if wearing knee braces would really slow the game down all that much?

A corollary to the above question is: in terms of effectiveness, how close to 100% could Warner's left arm could get if he continues to wear the elbow brace?

 

[dreamcastrocks]

I've always wondered why players aren't required to wear at least knee braces on both legs as a precaution (similar to the reason why helmets are required).

Anyone want to venture a guess as to the percentages of knee injuries that might be reduced and if wearing knee braces would really slow the game down all that much?

A corollary to the above question is: in terms of effectiveness, how close to 100% could Warner's left arm could get if he continues to wear the elbow brace?

I'm surprised that every offensive lineman doesn't wear a knee brace.

 

[cardsfanmd]

Knee braces are bulky and really limit your quickness and burst.

 

[BradMannTX]

Knee braces are bulky and really limit your quickness and burst.

The same can be said of shoulder pads and helmets. If everyone had to wear them, it would all be equal, right?

 

[jefftheshark]

Knee braces are bulky and really limit your quickness and burst.

Kind of like condoms.

JTS

 

[Pariah]

Knee braces are bulky and really limit your quickness and burst.

I wear one now and the only thing that limits my quickness and burst is my age.

I don't think it's that big a deal. Especially for non-skill positions like the line. WRs and CBs? sure. Linemen? No.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

I wear one now and the only thing that limits my quickness and burst is my age.

I don't think it's that big a deal. Especially for non-skill positions like the line. WRs and CBs? sure. Linemen? No.

 

[seesred]

Players play in them Kurt made some ajustments last week, and the brace I don't believe was the game changer, it was the picks.

GBR
40

 

[cardsfanmd]

The same can be said of shoulder pads and helmets. If everyone had to wear them, it would all be equal, right?

I hate to sound mean, but that is a horrible arguement. Helmets and shoulder pads are essential to every single down. They are also on your upper body and really dont affect your mobilty other than making you slightly less aerodynamic. Have you any idea how many hand injuries there would be if everyone wore knee braces. That is a lot of broken hands and dislocated fingers. Not to mention, visually it would have a big time negative effect on the perception og the game. The more pads these guys have on the more violent the game will appear. Thus, more criticism for Goodell to deal with. This would impact football all the way down to peewees.

I am not trying to say its a horrible idea, just (1)that you didn't make a good arguement for it and (2) it just wont happen anytime in the near future.


I have heard though that there are new Riddel helmets out now that have computer chips inside that register the impact of every blow, thus giving a coach the chance and obligation to see what type of hits their players are taking. They retail around $1000. Look for them to be all over the college and HS games soon.

 

[cardsfanmd]

I wear one now and the only thing that limits my quickness and burst is my age.

I don't think it's that big a deal. Especially for non-skill positions like the line. WRs and CBs? sure. Linemen? No.

I had one in HS after blowing a knee and obviously there have been upgrades in the braces I'm sure, but I felt limited. When you are talking about linemen, you have to account for them being right next to each other and bumping each other the whole game for one. For two, most DEs will not wear them and most tackles have a hard enough time keeping up with them as it is. Players are looking for any edge they can get (legally for most), they are not going to knowingly put themselves at a disadvantage.

 

[Pariah]

I had one in HS after blowing a knee and obviously there have been upgrades in the braces I'm sure, but I felt limited.

I've had mine for a year. A custom-fitted job. It's very light, and the only problem I've had is that it needs some WD40 because it's starting to squeak and I can't sneak up on anyone anymore.

When you are talking about linemen, you have to account for them being right next to each other and bumping each other the whole game for one.

who cares? They get bumped and bruised all the time. That's nothing compared to a blown-out knee.

For two, most DEs will not wear them and most tackles have a hard enough time keeping up with them as it is. Players are looking for any edge they can get (legally for most), they are not going to knowingly put themselves at a disadvantage.

Probably, true. But, then that's why if it were mandated it doesn't matter. If the players union wants to make noise about not getting enough care for their retired vets, they should also be looking at things to prevent their players from NEEDING as much post-career care. Knee braces could be one of those measures.

Also, it should be noted that I'm not necessarily in favor of mandating knee-braces. I simply started out by saying judging by the brace I have (which I have to imagine isn't half the technology that a NFL player would be able to afford), I don't think wearing one is a big deal.

 

[Skkorpion]

Notre Dame requires all offensive linemen to wear knee braces and has had that policy in place for many years. Over the years, many Irish players have credited the braces for minimizing the severity of knee injuries.

This all came about because of a study conducted by Penn State's school of Sports Medicine, I seem to recall. Stout might know more about it. Any other Penn St. grads on here to enlighten us?

As far as arm braces like Warner's being effective, isn't this new and uncharted territory?

 

[Russ Smith]

Notre Dame requires all offensive linemen to wear knee braces and has had that policy in place for many years. Over the years, many Irish players have credited the braces for minimizing the severity of knee injuries.

This all came about because of a study conducted by Penn State's school of Sports Medicine, I seem to recall. Stout might know more about it. Any other Penn St. grads on here to enlighten us?

As far as arm braces like Warner's being effective, isn't this new and uncharted territory?

Yep and it seems ND was an early pioneer in that neck brace pad thing that you see a lot of linemen wearing now?

Remember Leinart said he wore a brace in college because USC required it not because he needed it.

 

[PoolBoy]

o lineman are crazy not to wear them, if i was a rb or wr or qb, i wouldnt wear one.

 

[FightOnCards]

Leinart wears a knee brace, has worn one all through college.

 

[Toro]

The knee braces are really hurting ND this year. They suck.

 

[nashman]

When I was watching ASU game saturday night it appears that all of our O-linemen are wearing some sort of knee braces. For linemen I don't think its that big a deal just watch your fingers ha.

 

[SoCal Cardfan]

Leinart wears a knee brace, has worn one all through college.

Leinart needs a roll cage imo.