11x More Effective: What the Data Says About WaveWear’s Impact on Mobility

Is Your Compression Wear Doing Enough? What the Data Reveals About Next-Gen Support

Pain shouldn’t be something we simply endure. Yet for many, athletes, older adults, or anyone recovering from strain, joint pain and reduced mobility are everyday challenges. These aren’t just physical limitations; they chip away at how we move, how we feel, and how we live.

For decades, knee braces have been the go-to for relief and recovery. But not much has changed in their design, until now. A new category of compression wear is emerging: smarter, more adaptive sleeves that combine support with wearable comfort. One such innovation is the addition of embedded silicone taping, integrated kinesiology support inside compression garments.

So the question becomes: How much more effective is this new generation of wearables? And if you're already using compression sleeves, are you missing out on what your body could really achieve?

Let’s dive into the data.

What We Tested, and Why It Matters

In a clinical study conducted by Kyung Hee University’s Center for Healthy Aging, researchers investigated whether compression sleeves, specifically Wavewear’s silicone-integrated version, could improve lower extremity function better than standard compression sleeves [(Kyung Hee University, 2021)].

Over 10 days, 18 individuals (average age ~70) wore two types of knee braces in a cross-over format: a traditional compression sleeve and a sleeve embedded with Wavewear’s silicone taping system. To avoid irritation, wear time was gradually increased, up to 10 hours per day during daily activities. The brace was not worn in certain scenarios: during meals, showering, or sleeping, when lying down or sitting for more than 30 minutes, if skin irritation occurred, and any other situations where knee brace wearing was deemed unnecessary during daily life

Performance was tracked using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS); a validated, clinician-used tool assessing how easily a person can complete daily tasks like walking, crouching, and lifting. LEFS scores range from 0 to 80. The higher the score, the better your lower-body functional ability.

To measure changes in mobility, the study used the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS); a widely recognized, 20-question tool that assesses a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks like walking, squatting, or climbing stairs [(Binkley et al., 1999)]. A perfect score is 80, indicating no functional difficulty. This scale is frequently used in clinical settings to monitor rehabilitation and evaluate treatment effectiveness.

Of the 20 participants initially recruited, 18 completed the study (2 withdrew due to COVID concerns). Participants were assigned to either a standard compression sleeve group (n=10) or a silicone-integrated sleeve group (n=8). Average daily wear time was similar between groups (around 5.5 hours), and mean age hovered around 70 years in both.

LEFS scores were collected at baseline, Day 5, and Day 10, then analyzed using a 2×3 mixed model ANOVA, followed by a Tukey post-hoc test. The significance level was set at 𝛂 = 0.05, and all analysis was performed using SAS 9.4.

Table 1. Participant Characteristics

Table 2. Lower Extremity Function Scores

*p<0.05; Lower extremity function score improved on Day 10 of wearing the silicone knee brace compared to pre-wearing.

✝p<0.05; Lower extremity function score improved on Day 10 of wearing, regardless of the presence of silicone in the knee brace, compared to pre-wearing

The silicone sleeve group saw a meaningful improvement, from a baseline score of 62.0 to 70.3 by Day 10 (p < 0.05), a 13% increase in lower limb function. The standard group, by comparison, showed no significant change (from 69.3 to 70.1). When averaged across all participants, LEFS scores improved overall, but the functional gains in the silicone group were nearly twice as large.

These findings suggest that while compression wear alone can help, Wavewear’s silicone-enhanced design delivers a higher level of functional benefit—faster and more effectively. For those looking to move with less pain and more confidence, the difference is not just measurable, it’s meaningful.

Qualitative Feedback and Observations

Researcher Notes on Study Conditions

While the trial aimed to isolate the effect of silicone integration, researchers noted that the two brace types varied slightly in compression, sizing, and shape; variables that may have influenced the results. Although both sleeves were fitted based on knee joint circumference, participant feedback suggested that differences in thigh and calf dimensions introduced fit-related inconsistencies. These variations, while minor, could have impacted comfort and subjective responses to each product.

Participant Feedback: Silicone Compression Sleeve

Participants wearing the silicone-integrated sleeve reported an overall more favorable experience. Many described the brace as providing strong, reliable support, especially during walking or outdoor activity. The sensation of tightness around the knee was interpreted by some as a reassuring stabilizing force, contributing to improved confidence in movement. A few participants even noted a smoother feel in the leg with the brace on.

However, some issues emerged over extended wear. By days 9–10, some users experienced skin irritation, including redness or itching around the band area, indicating that sports cream should be used with the product. Tightness at the upper and lower edges of the sleeve left temporary pressure marks, and slippage or bunching occurred in cases where the brace didn’t anchor well to the individual’s thigh. Despite these concerns, most users expressed strong interest in continuing use, especially for physical activity, due to the sleeve’s superior adherence and elasticity compared to conventional designs.

Participant Feedback: Standard Compression Sleeve

Experiences with the standard sleeve were more mixed. While some users appreciated its general comfort and minimal restriction, others noted limited perceived support. The upper thigh band was often cited as too loose, resulting in slippage during walking or squatting. A few participants experienced mild itching or irritation after consecutive days of wear, particularly where the elastic band contacted the skin.

Though several individuals felt the sleeve provided some degree of pain relief, they also commented on its resemblance to tight-fitting apparel rather than therapeutic equipment. In one case, a participant resorted to sewing the brace to keep it from slipping, only to later experience skin irritation where the band had been folded or modified. Overall, while the standard sleeve offered moderate benefits, enthusiasm for continued use was noticeably lower than in the silicone group.

Conclusion: Measurable Support, Superior Design

The study found that participants wearing WaveWear’s silicone-integrated knee sleeve improved their functional mobility by 13% in just 10 days, while those using standard sleeves saw limited meaningful change. These gains were statistically significant and supported by user feedback noting greater stability and comfort.

By embedding silicone taping into targeted compression zones, WaveWear delivers more than basic support, it enhances movement and recovery where it matters most. For anyone serious about performance or long-term joint health, WaveWear offers a proven, data-backed advantage.

References

Kyung Hee University Healthy Aging and Healing Care Industry Demonstration Center. (2021). The effect of knee brace wearing on lower extremity function: Final report for Wave Company. Kyung Hee University.

Binkley, J. M., Stratford, P. W., Lott, S. A., & Riddle, D. L. (1999). The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS): Scale development, measurement properties, and clinical application. Physical Therapy, 79(4), 371–383.