The next time you see an NBA star rise for a rebound, they might have some German engineering to thank.
The BetterGuards ankle brace — now widely adopted in the NBA — uses micro-hydraulic sensors to instantly stabilise the ankle when it detects sudden movement, preventing sprains without limiting mobility.
According to Wired, it’s part of a wider shift toward 'active protection' — gear that reacts in real time to athlete movement.
“It’s almost like having a physiotherapist inside your shoe,” said Dr. Michael Deutsch, one of the engineers behind the project.
The system has already been credited with reducing time-lost injuries among early adopters.
For athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike, it’s another reminder that recovery and movement are no longer separate disciplines — they’re two sides of the same coin.
The takeaway? Smart protection isn’t the future of movement — it’s already here.
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