Open AccessComparison of knee valgus motion in African American male and female collegiate athletes
Author(s) -
Timothy W. Hughley,
Kevin R. Ford,
Gregory D. Myer,
Joyce E. Johnson,
Aram Yoon
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
international journal of applied sports sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2233-7946
pISSN - 1598-2939
DOI - 10.24985/ijass.2019.31.1.43
Subject(s) - valgus , athletes , anterior cruciate ligament , acl injury , medicine , knee joint , ligament , physical therapy , orthodontics , knee flexion , physical medicine and rehabilitation , surgery
Knee joint valgus is often implicated as a hazardous position for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and has been linked to ACL injury risk. Although several groups have previously examined racially diverse cohorts to determine if there are predispositions for injury, there is little evidence found that explore sex differences in valgus angles in African American athletes. The purpose of this study was to identify the difference of the knee valgus angles between African American male (AAM) and female (AAF) student-athletes. Eighty-five National Collegiate Athletic Association, Division II African American male (n=36) and female (n=49) student-athletes participated in this study. Subjects dropped directly down off a box and immediately performed a maximum vertical jump. Valgus and flexion angles were analyzed and calculated based on the relationship of the tangent for each image. Knee valgus angles were significantly different between AAM and AAF athletes both at initial contact and maximum valgus displacement (p<.05). Significant differences in knee flexion angle was observed with the AAM having greater Initial Contact knee flexion (p<.05). The current data indicates that sex differences, specifically increased knee valgus angles, exist during jumping and landing. Neuromuscular training programs should be designed to specifically address excessive valgus knee motion and improve landing knee flexion among these athletes.