What is the function of lifting wraps during competition?

Lifting wraps, commonly known as knee wraps, serve a specific purpose during competition by providing additional stability to the knees. They are designed to compress the knee joint, which can enhance support, help maintain proper positioning during lifts, and allow the lifter to generate more force when squatting. The compression from the wraps can also help improve proprioception, giving the lifter a better sense of knee positioning throughout the lift.

While some might consider other options related to weight reduction or injury prevention, these do not accurately reflect the primary role of lifting wraps. For example, lifting wraps do not change the weight being lifted and are not intended to make the lift faster. Furthermore, while they can indeed contribute to the overall safety of a lifter, particularly with the added stability they provide, their main function is directly related to enhancing knee support and stability during the lift.