+8.3 points of everyday mobility in 10 days
In a study run at Kyung Hee University's Graduate School of East-West Medical Science in Seoul, adults around age 70 wore the K2 knee sleeve in daily life for 10 days. Their mobility score rose 8.3 points. A group in a regular knee sleeve rose 0.8.
Tested by a medical science graduate school
Kyung Hee University's testing center ran the study with its own research team and delivered a final report.
Effect of Wearing a Knee Sleeve on Lower-Limb Function
- Center
- Kyung Hee University Healthy Aging Healing-Care Validation Center
- School
- Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Global Campus, Yongin
- Team
- Principal investigator and 5 researchers
Part of a medical science graduate school
The testing center belongs to Kyung Hee University's Graduate School of East-West Medical Science. The school brings together East-West medicine, gerontology, medical nutrition and health science.
Led by a professor of gerontology
The principal investigator is a professor in the school's Department of Gerontology, which studies how people age well.
A government-designated test hub
The center is one of four hubs in Gyeonggi Province's Healing-Care Validation Program, run with Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. WaveWear was selected for the program's 2020 product test round.
K2 wearers moved better. The regular sleeve group barely changed.
One group wore K2 with the AlignX™ silicone pattern. The other wore the same style of compression knee sleeve without it. Both wore them every day, and scores were checked before wear, on day 5 and on day 10.
| Mean ± SD | Before | Day 5 | Day 10 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WaveWear K2 (n=8) | 62.0±14.7 | 65.4±12.5 | 70.3±13.6 | +8.3 |
| Regular knee sleeve (n=10) | 69.3±10.1 | 69.2±10.9 | 70.1±9.2 | +0.8 |
LEFS, 0–80 points. Higher means everyday moves feel easier. The K2 group started lower than the regular-sleeve group.
LEFS asks how hard everyday moves feel
The Lower Extremity Functional Scale is a 20-question survey used in physical therapy clinics around the world. People rate each activity from 0 to 4. The top score is 80.
A standard tool with validity and reliability documented in published research, including a systematic review (Mehta et al., 2016).
One knee pattern, three zones
AlignX™ silicone lines sit on the inside of the fabric, in the same places a physio would tape a knee. No tape, no skin glue, nothing to cut.
Thigh zone
Two strips above the kneecap hold the front of the thigh as you bend and straighten.
Tendon zone
A Y shape just below the kneecap follows the patellar tendon.
Stability band
A band across the joint helps the knee feel steady from step to step.
Circle guide (K2)
Line the circle up with your kneecap and the zones land in place every time.
Bubble grip bands (K2)
Non-slip bands at the top and bottom help keep the sleeve in place.
Grip that washes back
When the silicone picks up dust, wash it and the grip returns.
What the K2 group said after 10 days
When I walk in it, my knee feels secure and steady. It's a big difference from not wearing one.
K2 group participantIt seems to hold on and stretch better than other knee sleeves.
K2 group participantIt holds my knee snugly, so walking feels good. I plan to keep wearing it for outdoor activities.
K2 group participantComments written by study participants, translated from Korean. Experiences vary from person to person.
Prefer leggings? The knee pattern is built in
The three-zone knee pattern from K2 is also inside six WaveWear leggings. You get both knees in one piece, plus zones for the hamstring or calf.
Tested in the studyK2 Knee Sleeve
One knee, under shorts or pants · S–XXL
CY20 Capri Leggings
Knee + hamstring · S–L
Y30 High-Waist Pocket Leggings
Knee + calf · side pockets · 4 colors · S–L
Y20 Lazuli Leggings
Knee + calf · mesh behind the knee · XS–XL
CL20 Capri Leggings
Knee + hamstring · S–XXL
L30 Zipper Pocket Leggings
Knee + calf · zip pocket · S–XXL
L20 Hetite Leggings
Knee + calf · S–XXL
The 10-day study tested the K2 sleeve. The leggings use the same AlignX™ knee pattern but were not part of the study.
A difference in the moves you make every day
Everyday activities, not lab tests
The score covers walking, stairs, getting up and getting dressed. These are the moments people notice.
Change showed up early
The K2 group was already up 3.4 points halfway through. By day 10 the gain was 8.3.
One difference: the silicone pattern
Both groups wore a compression knee sleeve every day. Only K2 had the AlignX™ silicone pattern, and only the K2 group's score rose significantly.
How it was run
- Run by
- Kyung Hee University Healthy Aging Healing-Care Validation Center, Graduate School of East-West Medical Science
- Who
- Adults around age 70
- Compared
- K2 with the AlignX™ silicone pattern vs a compression knee sleeve without it
- Wear
- 10 days of normal daily life
- Measure
- Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)
- Report
- Final report, February 2021
Before you order
How do I find my K2 size?
Measure around your thigh 15 cm (about 6 in) above the middle of your knee.
| Size | Thigh (in) | Thigh (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| S | 14.9–17.7 | 38–45 |
| M | 16.9–18.9 | 43–48 |
| L | 18.1–20.1 | 46–51 |
| XL | 19.3–21.3 | 49–54 |
| XXL | 20.5–23.2 | 52–59 |
Each leggings page has its own size chart.
How should I start wearing it?
Ease in: about 1 hour on day 1, 3 hours on day 2, then up to 5 hours or more a day. Take it off for meals, showers and sleep. If your skin turns red or itchy, take a break.
Sleeve or leggings?
Pick K2 if you want one knee covered and freedom to wear any shorts or pants over it. Pick leggings if you want both knees in one piece, with extra zones for the hamstring or calf.
Single or pair?
One K2 covers one knee. A pair saves 12% and lets you cover both knees or rotate while one is in the wash.
How do I care for it?
Hand wash in lukewarm water with a neutral detergent. Rub the silicone gently to wipe off dust. Air dry in the shade with the silicone side in. Do not use a dryer. Washing also brings back the silicone grip.
How much support does K2 give?
Light to moderate. It is not a substitute for a rigid or hinged brace used after serious injury or surgery. If your knee feels very unstable or painful, talk to a healthcare professional.
Is K2 a medical device?
No. K2 and our leggings are athletic compression wear. They are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any condition.
Try it on your daily walk
Study: 10-day comparison of the WaveWear K2 silicone knee sleeve and a compression knee sleeve without silicone in 18 adults (average age 70). Final report by the Kyung Hee University Healthy Aging Healing-Care Validation Center, Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, February 2021. Results are group averages; individual results vary. Leggings shown share the same knee pattern and were not part of the study. WaveWear products are not medical devices and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.