METHODS: Male participants (age 22.0±3.4) performed ramped isometric knee extensions at knee joint angles of 90°, 70°, 50° and 30° of flexion. Strain patterns of the anterior and posterior regions of the patellar tendon were determined using real-time B-mode ultrasonography at each knee joint angle. Regional strain measures were compared using an automated pixel tracking method.
RESULTS: Strain was seen to be greatest for both the anterior and posterior regions with the knee at 90° (7.76±0.89% and 5.06±0.76%). Anterior strain was seen to be significantly greater (p<0.05) than posterior strain for all knee angles apart from 30°, 90°=(7.76vs. 5.06%), 70°=(4.77vs. 3.75%), and 50°=(3.74vs. 2.90%). The relative strain (ratio of anterior to posterior), was greatest with the knee joint angle at 90°, and decreased as the knee joint angle reduced.
CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study indicate that not only are there greater absolute tendon strains with the knee in greater flexion, but that the knee joint angle affects the regional strain differentially, resulting in greater shear between the tendon layers with force application when the knee is in greater degrees of flexion. These results have important implications for rehabilitation and training.
METHODS: Thirty-four volunteers were allocated to the valgus (n = 17) and non-valgus (n = 17) groups. Their motions during SLS at 45° and 60° knee flexion were captured and analyzed using three-dimensional motion analysis system. Isokinetic hip strength was examined at 180°/s in flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction for both legs. Pearson's correlation test was computed to evaluate the relationship between hip strength and knee angle during SLS.
FINDINGS: Non-dominant hip extensor strength (r = -0.56, p = 0.02) and dominant hip adductor strength (r = -0.51, p = 0.04) were significantly related to the knee frontal plane angle during 45° SLS among those without DKV. Meanwhile, those with DKV showed a significant relationship between the knee frontal plane angle for both legs and non-dominant hip abductor strength during 60° SLS.
INTERPRETATION: Both groups demonstrated the relationship of hip strength on knee frontal plane angle during SLS, whereby increased hip strength may minimize excessive DKV. Those with excessive DKV should train to strengthen their hip abductor to reduce knee valgus particularly during deep squats.