Study of the relationship between kinetics and kinematic characteristics involved during single-leg squat and single-leg landing

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship among knee valgus angle, knee abduction moment, and trunk lateral tilt angle during single-leg squat (SLS) and single-leg landing (SLL).

Methods: Fifteen healthy young men performed SLL from a 20-cm-high platform and SLS by bending the knee joint up to 60° in a single-leg standing position. The maximum values of the knee valgus angle, knee abduction moment, and trunk lateral tilt angle from the beginning to the end of the SLL alongside those of the aforementioned three variables at 60° of knee joint flexion during SLS were determined. Afterward, the relationship between each variable was examined. Additionally, the presence or absence of high risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury was categorized according to the knee valgus angle during SLL, and the relationship between the high risk of ACL injury and the three variables of SLS was examined.

Results: The relationship between the two movements in the knee valgus angle and trunk lateral tilt angle was significant and moderate to high, respectively. Furthermore, knee valgus angle during SLS was chosen as a significantly associated factor for high risk of ACL injury.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated the relationship between the knee valgus angle and trunk lateral tilt angle during SLS and SLL.