'Does hip range of motion influence the degree of lower limb valgus rotation in young active females?'

Abstract

Background: Knee and ankle injuries have a higher incidence rate in female than male athletes. Dynamic knee valgus (DKV) has been highlighted as a cause of non-contact knee injuries. Aim: The main aim of the study was to identify the relationship between hip range of motion (ROM) and DKV. Rationale: Previous studies have focused on the relationship between hip strength and DKV; and have identified possible relationships between lower limb ROM and DKV. Prehabilitation programmes focusing on reducing DKV in female athletes may reduce injury rate. Therefore causes of DKV need to be identified. Method: 15 female Participants underwent hip adduction, hip external rotation (ER) and dorsiflexion ROM tests. Participants were also video recorded performing single and double legged squats. A 2D analysis of participant’s squats calculated lower limb valgus alignment measurements. ROM and alignment measurements were then correlated. Results and Discussion: Non-dominant single leg measurements show fair correlation between hip ER and DKV (r=0.31), suggesting as hip ER increases so does DKV. However dominant single leg measurements (r= -0.38) and double leg measurements suggest as hip ER decreases DKV increases- supporting hypothesis. Non-dominant single leg measurements (r=0.33) suggest as Hip adduction increases so does DKV- supporting hypothesis. However non -dominant double leg measurements (r= -0.42) and all dominant leg measurements suggest as hip adduction increases DKV decreases. Single leg measurements (r= 0.29) suggest as dorsiflexion increases so does DKV. However double leg measurements (r= -0.62) suggest as dorsiflexion decreases, DKV increases – supporting hypothesis. Q angle had little correlation with DKV. Conclusion: Hip ROM and DKV are fairly correlated; further research is required to create effective prehabilitation programmes focusing on hip ROM to reduce DKV in young active females. This study also provides a basis for future research into relationships between dynamic knee valgus and standing valgus alignments, dominant and non- dominant limb valgus and single and double legged valgus.