A Review of Knee Supports as a Potential Intervention for Fatigue and Knee Instability in Industrial Prolonged Standing Jobs
摘要
Industrial workers who stand for long periods of time are prone to overuse injuries, fatigue and knee pain. Knee supports may be beneficial, but there has not been as much research in the industrial context as there has been in sport and healthcare. This review considers the potential benefits of knee supports for industrial workers who suffer from fatigue and instability as a result of prolonged standing. This review includes literature on the biomechanics of the knee, the consequences of prolonged standing, and the use of knee braces in relevant settings. Prolonged standing reduces blood flow, causes muscle fatigue and increases strain on the knee joints. There are several types of knee braces available such as prophylactic knee braces, functional knee braces, unloader knee braces, patellofemoral knee braces, rehabilitative knee braces and knee sleeves, each with different functions and levels of support. Proprioception, stability and pain management in fatigued individuals may be improved by certain braces according to sports medicine studies. Although previous studies provide valuable perspectives, there is a significant gap in knowledge regarding the effectiveness of knee supports, particularly for industrial workers with prolonged standing.