This study aimed to explore the relationship between Knee Valgus Angle and Knee Flexion Angle in university-level male footballers.
Data obtained from thirteen participants (Mean ± SD; Age: 24.5 ± 3.2 years; Height: 175.6 ± 5.0 cm; Mass: 73.5 ± 7.2 kg), with a dominant leg (DL) distribution of 8:5 (right: left). Athletes performed single-leg hops for distance tests, and all data was collected and analysed using the 3D motion analysis system.
The analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between peak KFA and KVA in the DL (r = -0.615, p = 0.025), while the non-dominant leg (NL) exhibited no correlation (r = 0.416, p = 0.157). Regression analysis identified KFA as a predictor of KVA (β = -0.297, 95% CI: [-0.549, -0.044], p = 0.025) in DL. In contrast, KFA was not a predictor of KVA (β = 0.161, 95% CI: [-0.073, 0.395], p = 0.157) in NL.
The study found a significant negative correlation between peaks of KFA and KVA in the DL, indicating that KFA can predict KVA in this leg. No relationship between those factors was observed in the NL. The findings of this study indicate the potential application in the enhancement of anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention strategies and research fields.
The study emphasizes that training programs for male soccer players should focus on increasing knee flexion strength to reduce knee valgus, with exercises like plyometrics and strength training targeting the quadriceps and hamstrings (Myer et al., 2006), as well as proper landing mechanics (Chappell et al., 2002). An effective approach is using video analysis and motion capture systems for real-time feedback to monitor knee angles during training (Bell et al., 2019)
Crucially, the relationship between KFA and KVA in DL simplifies this by focusing on Dominant KFA, a kinematic factor that can be easily monitored than KVA (Favre et al., 2008). This approach enables athletes to make immediate adjustments, promoting safer, more effective training and injury prevention.
Knee Valgus Angle
Knee Flexion Angle
