What is the purpose of protective knee braces in contact sports?

Protective knee braces are specifically designed to support the knee joint and prevent injuries, particularly to the medial collateral ligament (MCL), which can be vulnerable during contact sports. The correct choice highlights the protective function of the brace, as it helps stabilize the knee, reducing the risk of MCL sprains that can occur from lateral impacts or awkward movements.

While enhancing speed and agility, providing thermal support, and restricting movement are all considerations in athletic performance and equipment, they do not align with the primary purpose of knee braces in the context of contact sports. Speed and agility are typically improved through training and conditioning, not through the use of braces. Thermal support can be beneficial for muscle warmth but does not specifically address joint protection. Lastly, restricting movement is generally counterproductive in a contact sport setting where flexibility and range of motion are essential for performance. Therefore, the focused intent of protective knee braces is to enhance knee stability and injury prevention, particularly regarding the MCL.