Effect of isometric quadricep activation on “Q” angle in young females.

Abstract
The Q angle represents an estimate of the resultant force of the quadriceps on the patella and is a predictor of the lateral movement of the patella under dynamic conditions. The aim of the present study was to observe whether Isometric Quadriceps Activation (IQA) can decrease the Q angle and to identify people at high risk of patellar subluxation. Q angles were measured in 23 non impaired young women (22.9±2.3 years) in relaxed standing and during IQA. There was a significant decrease (4.65±2.74°) in the Q angle values for subjects with IQA as compared to subjects with measurements in relaxed standing Significance levels were set at P<0.05. The Q angle decreases with IQA which was highly significant (t=8.01, P<0.001). The result supports the view that an excessive Q angle may predispose women to greater lateral displacement of the patella during vigorous activities and sports in which the quadriceps muscle is stressed.
Description
Keywords
Q angle, quadriceps femoris muscle, isometric quadriceps activation, goniometer patella
Citation
Sarkar Aparna, Razdan Shaily, Yadav Joginder, Bansal Nitesh, Kuhar Suman, Pahuja Preeti. Effect of isometric quadricep activation on “Q” angle in young females. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology. 2009 Jul-Sept; 53(3): 275-278.