Relationship between lower extremity anatomical alignment and core muscle endurance with peak knee valgus angle during landing-jump in female athletes

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between lower extremity alignment and endurance of core with maximal knee valgus during drop landing jump in female athletes. In the present cross-sectional study, 44 female athletes aged 16 to 26 years participated. The knee valgus angle was recorded using video camera during landing jump. Q angle, navicular drop, hip anteversion, tibia torsion, knee hyperextension and core stability endurance were assessed using standard clinical procedures. Data were analyzed by Pearson correlation test. The findings of the present study showed that there is a significant relationship between Q angle, endurance of right and left lateral flexor muscles with maximum knee valgus (P≤0.05). According to results of this study, assessing the Q angle and endurance of the lateral flexor muscles of the trunk can help identify athletes at risk for ACL injury and provide programs for the prevention of lower extremity injuries.