Influence of Lower Limb Clinical Physical Measurements of Female Athletes on Knee Motion During Continuous Jump Testing

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the relationship between dynamic knee motion in female athletes during landing after jumping and lower limb clinical physical measurements, considered risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. We proposed that (1) knee valgus and flexion angles during landing are correlated with clinical physical measurements; (2) combining these measurements enables prediction of the knee valgus and flexion angles during landing. Methods: Sixty-one female collegiate basketball athletes performed a continuous jump test; the peak knee valgus and flexion angles were measured. The Q-angle, the ranges of motion (ROMs) of hip internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER), as well as ankle dorsiflexion (DF), navicular drop, leg-heel alignment, and balance ability as assessed by the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) were measured. Stepwise linear regression analyses were used to assess whether these factors can predict the peak knee valgus or flexion angle. Results: Increased ROM of hip IR and navicular drop predicted 7.9% of the peak knee valgus angle variance. Increased ROMs of ankle DF and hip IR, navicular drop, and anterior balance predicted 29.0% of the peak knee flexion angle variance. The knee valgus and flexion angles during the continuous jump test were slightly correlated with clinical physical measurements. Conclusions: Proximal and distal joint alignment and balance ability influence knee motion during landing. The relationship between knee motion during landing and these factors is weak; therefore, lower limb movement during landing is almost independent of clinical physical measurements, and knee movement should be evaluated by itself.

Reliability and concurrent validity between two-dimensional and three-dimensional evaluations of knee valgus during drop jumps

“…The mechanisms and risk factors associated with both disorders have been widely investigated, with the greatest risk factors being abnormal joint biomechanics, deficient neuromuscular control, and malalignment of the lower extremity. 5 Dynamic knee valgus (DKV) is described as altered hip and knee kinematics in the frontal and transverse planes during weight-bearing activities. 6 , 7 DKV encompasses a movement pattern characterized by excessive femoral adduction, femoral internal rotation, knee abduction, and external tibial rotation.…”