Lower-Limb Kinematic Change during Pelvis Anterior and Posterior Tilt in Double-Limb Support in Healthy Subjects with Knee Malalignment

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate lower-limb kinematic changes during pelvic tilting in participants with knee malalignment. To define participants with lower-limb malalignment, the quadriceps angle (Q-angle) was used in this study. The sample population was divided into two groups in accordance with the Q-angle: the experimental group (ABQ) consisted of participants with an abnormal Q-angle greater than the normal range, and the control group (CON) consisted of participants with a normal Q-angle. All participants performed anterior and posterior pelvic tilts in double-limb support. Kinematic change in the lower limb was evaluated using a three-dimensional motion analysis system (Motion Analysis, Santa Rosa, CA, USA). The horizontal plane hip angle in the ABQ was significantly different compared with that in the CON in all positions (p < 0.05), and no significant difference was observed in the other lower-limb kinematic variables (p > 0.05). A significant correlation was identified only between the Q-angle and horizontal plane hip angle in all positions. Based on the results, the Q-angle was strongly related to the thigh, although it may not be related to malalignment with other segments during double-limb support.