KOREASCHOLAR

This study analyzed 214 sports knee braces found on Chinese websites between October 2022 and November 2022 to assess product type (impact protection material, fastening method, and protection method), material composition, size, weight, and main characteristics. The product type was further categorized according to (1) use of hard guard and soft guard protection method; (2) cover type, strap type, and slip-on type fastening method; and (3) pressure type and support type protection method. It also noted the physical shock protection materials used, including foam (EVA or polyurethane) attached to joints as a buffer material and plastic (TPU or PP) that protects the user’s knee from external impacts. The study found that the materials that primarily comprise sports knee braces are a combination of nylon, polyester, and neoprene. Additionally, it found that most sports knee braces available on the market are available in three sizes based on knee circumference: M (35–38cm), L (38–41cm), and XL (41–44cm), while some products are available in one size only. Furthermore, the majority of the 214 products studied weighed 200g, followed by 1,000g. Finally, in terms of product characteristics, many sports knee braces utilize ring-shaped silicone pads to distribute the load pressure on the knees or incorporate sturdy adhesive velcro to improve knee stability.

I.􀀃 Introduction
Ⅱ.􀀃 Review􀀃 of􀀃 Literature
    1.􀀎 Sports􀀎 knee􀀎 braces
    2.􀀎 Patent􀀎 trends􀀎 of􀀎 sports􀀎 knee􀀎 braces
Ⅲ.􀀃 Research􀀃 Methods
Ⅳ.􀀃 Results􀀃 and􀀃 Discussion
    1.􀀎 Analysis􀀎 of􀀎 sports􀀎 knee􀀎 brace􀀎 products
Ⅴ.􀀃 Conclusion

• 마효청(부산대학교 의류학과 박사과정) | Xiaoqing Ma (Doctoral Course, Dept. of Clothing & Textiles, Pusan National University, Korea)
• 장정아(부산대학교 의류학과 교수) | Jeongah Jang (Professor, Dept. of Clothing & Textiles, Pusan National University, Korea) Corresponding author