polvisuojausta

Polvisuojausta is the Finnish term for a knee guard or knee protection. It is a piece of protective equipment designed primarily to safeguard the knee joint against impact, blunt force, and minor collisions in sports and high‑risk work environments. By absorbing shock and stabilizing the joint it reduces the likelihood of ligament sprains, meniscal tears, and other knee injuries.

The device is commonly used in football, soccer, rugby, baseball, hockey, skateboarding, gymnastics and in industrial settings where heavy objects may fall onto the knees. Characteristics vary with sport: soccer knee pads are thin, rubber‑lined, and fitted with straps; baseball and football protect the upper and middle knees with higher‑density cores; skateboarding pads have a pronounced impact area on the front knee. They are typically made from a hard outer shell of plastic or composite, an impact‑absorbing core of polyurethane or EVA foam, and a moderate amount of internal padding. Modern models may include adjustable straps or harness systems and are available in adult and child sizes.

Safety standards, such as the European EN 957 K10 and K11 and ISO 10579‑1, set limitations on impact attenuation, durability, and hygiene. Manufacturers must prove that the product can withstand a predefined amount of impact energy before it is sold. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory for sporting bodies and safety‑regulating agencies.

Studies have shown that properly fitted knee guards decrease the incidence of protective knee injuries by roughly 30–40 %. However, additional weight and restricted movement are sometimes cited as disadvantages. Misfit or loose guards can reduce effectiveness, potentially increasing injury risk. In response, research is now focusing on lightweight composites, adjustable fit systems, and embedded sensors that provide real‑time motion analysis.

Overall, polvisuojausta remains a well‑documented category of sports and occupational safety equipment, with continuing improvements in ergonomics, material science and performance monitoring.