Q-angle: a factor in peak torque occurrence in isokinetic knee extension

• Published in: The journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy Vol. 9; no. 7; pp. 250 - 253
• Main Authors: Lyon, L K, Benz, L N, Johnson, K K, Ling, A C, Bryan, J M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 1988
• ISSN: 0190-6011; 1938-1344
• DOI: 10.2519/jospt.1988.9.7.250

* This study was conducted in partial fulfillment for the requirements the U.S. Any-Baylor University Program in Physical Therapy, Academy of Health Sciences, Fort Sam Houston, TX. The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the Department of the U.S. Army or the Department of the Defense. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in peak torque occurrence during knee extension range of motion between groups of subjects with varying quadriceps-angle (Q-angle). Fifty-six female subjects, aged 18 to 35, participated in the study. The subjects were separated into three groups: low (N = 12) consisted of subjects with Q-angles <11 degrees ; moderate (N = 27), 13-17 degrees ; and high (N = 17), > 19 degrees . Three sets of subjects, grouped according to Q-angle, were evaluated using the Cybex II Isokinetic Dynamometer. Each subject was tested at three isokinetic speeds (30, 60, and 180 degrees /sec) utilizing only the right lower extremity. The results suggest that the point at which peak torque occurs within knee extension range of motion is not significantly different between the three groups of subjects tested at the three test speeds.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1988;9(7):250-253.