Association of Quadriceps Angle (Q Angle) with Gender, Anthropometric Measurements and Quadriceps Muscle Strength in Healthy Young Adults

Abstract

Background: Quadriceps angle is the angle produced between the quadriceps muscle and the patellar tendon, which is also known as Q angle. It is also regarded as a key component for the correct knee posture and movement. Q angle is frequently employed as a diagnostic indicator for knee-related issues such as anterior knee pain, degenerative knee disorders, osteoarthritis etc. It has a great clinical and biomechanics significance and this angle gives useful information about alignment of lower limb. Present study shows association of Q angle with gender, various anthropometric measurements and Quadriceps muscle strength. Methods: Total 150 healthy young individuals (20 male and 130 female) between the age of 18 to 30 years from the different constituent institutes of Sumandeep Vidyapeeth University were included in the study. Q angle was measured in degrees by using universal goniometer on both sides. Anthropometric measurements - Height, weight. Body mass index, Waist and Hip circumference, Intercondylar distance between femur and Quadriceps muscle strength were measured. Results: In this study, the correlation between Q angle and Anthropometric measurements were analyzed. The mean Q angle on right side was 18.87 and on left side was 18.87. Bilaterally, no significant differences were found in Q angle. The angle of right and left side was significantly correlated with weight, height, BMI, intercondylar distance and quadriceps muscle strength. However, these angles are not correlated with WHR. Conclusion: This study supported positive correlation of weight and BMI with Q angle; negative correlation of height, intercondylar distance of femur and quadriceps muscle strength with Q angle. Although, no significant correlation was found between Q angle and WHR.