Knee Stuff

In the September 2008 Men’s Health (David Beckham on the cover), a study suggests that neoprene sleeves help protect against knee injury because they “significantly boost joint stability.”

“According to Damien Van Tiggelen, P.T., the study’s lead author, injuries often occur when knee stability breaks down due to fatigue. He suggests reaching for the sleeves before the fourth quarter of a basketball game. The brace provides additional support, but doesn’t impair muscle function, so there’s no detrimental effect,’ he says, adding that the proprioception (sense of balance) can potentially smooth your movements.”

Men’s Health suggests McDavid’s Level I knee support.