External supports improve knee performance in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed individuals with higher kinesiophobia levels

Background The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of knee brace (KB) and kinesiotaping (KT) on functional performance and self-reported function in individuals six months post-ACLR who desired to return to their pre-injury activity levels but felt unable to do so due to kinesiophobia. Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving 30 individuals six months post-ACLR with Tampa Kinesiophobia Scores >37. Individuals were tested under three conditions: no intervention, KB and KT in a randomized order. Isokinetic concentric quadriceps and hamstring strength tests, one leg hop test, star excursion balance test and global rating scale were assessed under the three conditions. Results The involved side showed that KT and KB significantly increased the hop distance (P = 0.01, P = 0.04) and improved balance (P = 0.01, P = 0.04), respectively, but only KB was found to increase the quadriceps and hamstring peak torques compared to no intervention (P < 0.05). Individuals reported having better knee function with KB when compared to no intervention (P < 0.001) and KT (P = 0.03). Conclusions Both KB and KT have positive effects in individuals post-ACLR which may assist in reducing kinesiophobia when returning to their pre-injury activity levels, with the KB appearing to offer the participants better knee function compared to KT.