A descriptive report of the variability in 3D hip and knee kinematics during a single limb squat in women who have patellofemoral pain and visually classified dynamic knee valgus

ABSTRACT

Objective: To describe the variability in: (1) the contributions of 3D hip and knee kinematics to the dynamic knee valgus (DKV) movement pattern during a single limb squat in women with patellofemoral pain; and (2) the 3D strategies used to reduce DKV following an intervention.

Methods: Secondary analysis of a feasibility study investigating a movement training intervention. In 23 participants, 2D knee frontal plane projection angles (FPPA) and 3D hip and knee frontal and transverse plane angles at peak knee flexion were calculated during a single limb squat at pre- and post-intervention, and the change in 2D and 3D angles computed. 3D angles at pre-intervention were summed for each participant to create cumulative bar graphs. Similar graphs were created for change in 3D angles. For visual comparison, graphs were ordered by increasing knee FPPA or change in knee FPPA.

Results: The knee FPPA decreased from a mean of 7.2 degrees (SD: 7.1) to a mean of −8.9 degrees (SD: 8.9) following the intervention. A large portion of DKV, and change in DKV, was due to hip adduction and knee lateral rotation, yet participants with similar knee FPPA and change in knee FPPA displayed variation in all 3D components and change in 3D components.

Conclusion: People who demonstrate similar observed movement patterns during a weight-bearing task may use different 3D strategies for execution.

KEYWORDS:

• 2-dimensional
• frontal plane projection angle
• movement patterns
• musculoskeletal

Declaration of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the American Physical Therapy Association [Orthopaedic Section]; National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences [UL1 TR000448]; Washington University, Institute for Clinical and Translational Sciences [CTSA #705].