The Effects of Neoprene Sleeve Application on Knee Joint Proprioception in Adolescent Female Athletes.

Fifteen female subjects ages 13-16 were recruited to determine if differences exist in knee joint proprioception, with and without application of a neoprene knee sleeve (NKS), when performing reproduction of target angle test (RTA), movement sensation test (MS) using a Biodex testing machine, and single leg standing test. Ten subjects had not worn a NKS and five subjects had worn a NKS. After completing all IRB approved documentation subjects underwent a test trial of each of the three testing methods. Subjects were randomly assigned a number that determined if the subject began the test trial with or without a NKS. Three starting angles were identified for the MS and the RTA tests; error was used to determine accuracy in both tests. The single leg stand tests consisted of the test subject closing her eyes and standing for as long as possible, no longer than five minutes, on her dominant leg