Lower limb kinematics of single-leg squat performance in patients with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency

• Published in: Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol. 33; no. 5; pp. 429 - 433
• Main Authors: SHIGEKI YOKOYAMA, WATARU FUKUDA, YUTARO IKENO, YUSUKE KATAOKA, SEAN A.HORAN
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: The Society of Physical Therapy Science 2021
• ISSN: 0915-5287

Abstract. [Purpose] This study investigated the parameters that characterize the knee, hip, and pelvic kinematics during a single-leg squat in preoperative anterior cruciate ligament rupture injury. [Participants and Methods] Overall, 15 patients with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament deficiency were enrolled in this study. For each single-leg squat, data from two-dimensional video cameras and three-dimensional motion analysis were collected. Measurement indices included the articular angles of the knee, hip, and trunk. The anterior cruciate ligament-injured leg was compared with the uninjured leg. [Results] The maximum knee valgus and flexion angles during a single-leg squat were smaller in the injured leg than in the uninjured leg. During the single-leg squat, the effect of "compensatory mechanisms" appeared as knee valgus and flexion movements. In particular, the knee valgus angle decreased in the anterior cruciate ligament-injured leg compared to that in the uninjured leg. [Conclusion] This phenomenon suggests that it is possible to utilize recurrence prevention training for anterior cruciate ligament injury.