THE EFFECT OF PATELLOFEMORAL ANGLE DIFFERENCES ON THE LOWER EXTREMITY PERFORMANCE

Abstract

Introduction: The effect of differences for patellofemoral angle (Q angle) on the lower extremity performance were investigated in this study.
Patients and methods: Thirty-six girls were choosen randomly who accepted to participate the study. Q angle was measured by goniometer with the subject was erect position and quadriceps was relaxed. Subjects were grouped according to Q angles for the right leg, left leg and for the differences of both legs. Margaria-Kalamen (MK) anaerobic power test, 20 meter shuttle run test (SR), vertical jump test for 30 seconds (VJ) and statical vertical jump test (SVJ) were applied to the groups. Performance tests were constructed at 09:00 am and following warming exercises of 10 minutes.
Results: Mean age of girls was 15.5 ± 0.51 years and mean body-mass index was 19.9 ± 0.49 kg/m2. There was no statistical differences according the age and body-mass index between the groups (p>0.05). Right Q angle degree was lower than left leg Q angle (13.4 ± 4.70 degree and 16.6 ± 5.87 degree, respectively). Subjects had lower than 10 degree of Q angle for both leg (p<0.05) were more successful in anaerobic MC test. When Q angle was between 11-19 degree bilateral VJ, SVC and SR test results were higher than the other groups (p<0.05).
Discussion: All of test results showed no significant correleation according to differences of patellofemoral angles between two legs. Individual structural anatomical differences can affect the sportive performances. In this connection, more detailed information can be obtained related with sportive performance when the effect of constitutional differences is taken into consideration with more subjects and more variables.