Betterguards sports technology labs
Performance innovation meets injury prevention
The future of sports performance is here. Real sports science and adaptive support combine to reduce your risk of injury and accelerate recovery. So you can focus on what matters most: performing at your peak.
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The BetterGuard
Finally, ankle support that won't compromise performance.
The BetterGuard is the only high-performance gear offering exceptional ankle support without sacrificing foot and ankle mobility. By adapting to your movements, we’re able to provide both flexibility and protection in an ultra-lightweight design. It's everything you need when you need it.
Behind the design
The magic behind The BetterGuard is the state-of-the-art ankle stabilizer at its core. Using micro-hydraulic technology, The BetterGuard adapts to your movements, offering exceptional freedom of movement without sacrificing essential ankle support.
Explore every detail
Explore The BetterGuard's intuitive design in stunning detail. Click and drag to view the product from any angle. Discover how each meticulously crafted component works together to deliver exceptional athletic performance with superior support and unmatched freedom of movement.
How it works
The BetterGuard is the only adaptive ankle support, offering athletes freedom of movement AND ankle stability in one device. The mini ankle stabilizer inside activates at impact and stabilizes the ankle joint up to 4x faster than your body.
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Science in sports performance
At Betterguards, we lead with science in sports technology. We're committed to sports medicine that helps elite athletes move better and recover faster. Driven by science and athlete feedback, Betterguard is inspiring better movement worldwide.
ABOUT US
Sports science labs
Traditional medical devices and testing methods weren't designed for the high-velocity movements real athletes experience every day. Recognizing this gap, Betterguards' engineers developed specialized testing benches to evaluate the functionality and effectiveness of adaptive ankle protection. Partnering with sports medicine professionals, we conducted rigorous studies — internally and externally — to validate its effectiveness. This commitment to groundbreaking research ensures The BetterGuard offers unparalleled support and redefines injury prevention for athletes.
Elite sports medicine
We leverage a multi-pronged approach, utilizing advanced models, test benches, and scientific studies conducted alongside sports medicine professionals. This commitment to evidence-based research and testing ensures the ankle protection system's effectiveness. We evaluate the protective effect and long-term durability across various running speeds and shoe types through testing on both artificial foot models and gait simulations.
Backed by leaders in sports science and innovation
Meet our product development and scientific advisory team
Dr. Tobias Consmüller
Chief Scientific Officer
Betterguards
Dr. Steffen Willwacher
Professor Biomechanics & Fundamentals Engineering
Dr. Jess Zendler
Associate Professor School of Kinesiology and University of Michigan
Dr. Richard Ferkel
Director of the Sports Medicine, SCOI & Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, UCLA
Dr. Cristine Agreste
Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy, University of Washington School of Medicine
Dr. John Meyer
Owner & CEO of Meyer Institute of Sport, and Chairman of Performance, Health and Wellness, Los Angeles Clippers
Keke Lyles
Former Director of Performance
Golden State Warriors
Aaron Cooper
Former Director of Innovation
Nike
Elron Bochardt
Chief Product Officer
Betterguards
Amo Paul
Manager Product Development
Betterguards
Lillian Rickermann
Head of Product R&D
Betterguards
Kevin Struck
Biomechanical Engineer
Betterguards
All players should wear The BetterGuard — not just in practice but also in games — because injury is such a big part of the game. I personally suffered an ankle injury my second year in the NFL and missed the whole year. I definitely could've used The BetterGuard then, but I'm happy to have it now.
“”
Equanimeous St. Brown
WR, New Orleans Saints
Science-backed results
At Betterguards, we follow science, not tradition. Third-party evaluations by leading sports medicine professionals provide invaluable data, fueling our innovative spirit and commitment to advancing injury prevention in athletics.
Adaptive ankle brace effectiveness
Our third-party effectiveness study confirms The BetterGuard effectively reduces the risk of injury by limiting ankle inversion during sudden tilt and allowing unrestricted natural movement in the foot, ankle, and knee.
Comparing adaptive vs. traditional ankle support
The BetterGuard offers superior user comfort and freedom of movement compared to traditional rigid and lace-up ankle braces, while delivering at least equivalent protection against ankle sprains.
Demonstrating faster return to sport for pro athletes
Clinical trial: Pro athletes who wore The BetterGuard returned to sport faster than those who relied on traditional ankle injury recovery methods.
Reducing the risk of severe ankle injuries in pro athletes
Ongoing clinical trials involving professional athletes show a reduction in severe ankle injuries when using The BetterGuard compared to conventional methods.
(Ongoing study)
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Explore some of the most frequently asked questions about our sports technology labs.
What is sports science?
Science in sports is about how the human body works during exercise and physical activity. Sports science combines different areas of knowledge, including performance, recovery, and strength training, to help athletes move better and avoid injuries.
What is sports medicine?
Sports medicine is a branch of healthcare that focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating sports and physical activity injuries. Sports medicine professionals include doctors, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and nutritionists.
What is sports technology?
Sports technology (sports tech) combines medicine and science in sports and exercise to develop innovations that aid athletic performance, recovery, and injury prevention. It can take many forms, from high-tech wearables that track your activity to nutrition and equipment that helps you train more effectively.
How does The BetterGuard help prevent the most common sports injuries?
Ankle injuries are the most common sports injuries. The BetterGuard uses a micro hydraulic ankle stabilizer to limit excessive ankle inversion (rolling inward) during sudden movements. This proactive support aids in preventing sprains and avoiding re-injury throughout the recovery process.
How can The BetterGuard accelerate recovery?
The BetterGuard can aid in return to sport and in preventing re-injury after return. In a clinical trial, athletes who wore The BetterGuard were able to return to sport faster than those who relied on conventional recovery methods. Traditional recovery methods, like physical therapy and strengthening exercises, are also important to ensure proper strength and mobility are restored to the ankle joint. Remember to consult your athletic trainer or healthcare professional to help you avoid setbacks as you work to return to your favorite sports activities.
Can The BetterGuard be used for existing ankle sprains?
The BetterGuard is a unique sprained ankle medical device designed to aid in injury prevention and return to sport. Its unique dynamic support system reduces the amount of ankle inversion during sudden movements without limiting normal mobility in the injured area. Immediately following an injury, we recommend you begin your recovery following the RICE method and consult with your athletic trainer or other healthcare professional for best results.
Protection. Recovery. Performance.
Unlock your full potential
Shop Betterguards today and experience the difference for yourself.
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