The Effect of Two Different Materials of Knee Braces on Perspiration and User Comfort

Abstract

Background: Compression garments and bracing are widely used in sports and rehabilitation to reduce discomfort and improve performance by reducing strains and enhancing control.1,4 By wearing compression sleeves/braces, skin temperature, and moisture changes are expected to be created on the compressed area, leading to perspiration, which might create skin pressure injuries.8 Many studies investigated various effects of wearing compression sleeves/braces, but none have addressed the effect of a specific material on moisture. This study aimed to examine and compare the effect of two different materials of knee braces (dermadry and neoprene) on perspiration and user comfort. Methods: A laboratory test was conducted using a dummy leg and injecting (7 ml) of water with a syringe between each material and the leg to examine absorption levels by weighing both braces before and after the water injection. Subjects wore both knee braces materials, did a workout of 30 minutes, and completed a survey of 10 Interval scale questions for user comfort determination. Results: A total of ten subjects (6 females and 4 males) matched the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. There was no significant difference (p=0.09) for the lab test between the material type and the amount of water absorption. Survey results showed that the overall user's comfort was higher using neoprene material than dermadry. Conclusion: Our data shows that there is no difference between dermadry and neoprene in moisture absorption. Moreover, the dermadry is not as favorable and comfortable to use as the neoprene.