Knee Braces

Do knee braces cause muscle wasting?

It’s often stated that knee braces can cause muscle wasting, if used for too long. However there has been very little research into this. A study in 2016 by Callaghan et al. (reference below) assessed 108 patients using braces for OA of the patella-femoral joint. They found that the maximum voluntary contraction of the quadricep (thigh) muscles did not reduce with brace use.

So it’s fine to use a knee brace?

All studies have limitations. This study only assessed a flexible knee support, so we can’t apply the findings across all knee braces – these will need to be assessed separately.

Any other limitations?

Yes- the study was only over 18 weeks. We do not know what would happen in people who wear braces longer than this.

In summary?

Using a flexible brace appears not to have a detrimental effect on the quadricep muscles in the short term. Anyone wishing to wear a knee brace longer than this period should discuss this with their physiotherapist.

Reference: Callaghan M, Parkes M, and Felson D  2016 The Effect of Knee Braces on Quadriceps Strength and Inhibition in Subjects With Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis

Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy