Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Therapy, Nova Southeastern
University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA | [b] Graduate Physical Therapy Program, University of
Wisconsin-LaCrosse, WT, USA | [c] Clinical and Research Services, Gundersen Lutheran
Sports Medicine, LaCrosse, WI, USA
Note: [] Physical Therapy-HPD, 3200 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale,
FL 33328, USA. Tel.: +1 954 262 1153; Fax: +1 954 262 1783; E-mail:
[email protected]
Abstract: The objective of this study was to examine possible differences in
peak torque, total work and power between the quadriceps muscles relating to
smaller or larger Q-angle. Twenty asymptomatic females between the ages of 23
to 27 met the inclusion criteria. Each subject answered a questionnaire, had
their Q-angles measured, and performed concentric knee extension testing on the
Biodex at speeds 60, 180 and 300^{\circ}/sec. T-tests were
used and significance was set at p< 0.05. The results showed
the quadriceps with the smaller Q-angle had a significantly greater: peak
torque at 300^{\circ}/sec and at the combined peak torque
speeds, total work at 300^{\circ}/sec and power at
60^{\circ}/sec and at the combined power speeds as well as
trends in other tests. Understanding Q-angle difference may provide scientific
and clinical rationale for the design of rehabilitation programs for patients
with patellofemoral or anterior knee pain syndromes.
