The Relationship between Q - Angle and Non-Contact Injuries of Lower Extremity in Male Karate Players

The aim of this study was to survey the relationship between Q-angle and non-contact injuries of lower extremity in male karate players. Out of 288 male karate players (Kumite) with black belt or higher in 6 professional karate clubs in Kerman, 45 karate players who had lower extremity injuries participated in this research. Injury data were collected via data collecting forms and Q angle was measured with a goniometer in supine position. To analyze data, t – student test, Spearman correlation coefficient and Chi – square test were used (P<0.05). The results showed that injuries were most commonly located in knee (62.2%), occured in training (82.3%) and the severity of injuries in most cases was reported as minor (57.8%). Likewise, the results showed that the Q angle in the right leg in 46.7% of subjects was higher and in 24.4% was lower while in the left leg in 31.1% of subjects was higher and in 24.4% was lower. Data analysis with t – test showed a significant difference in non-contact injuries of lower extremity between the two groups with normal and abnormal Q angle, and Spearman correlation coefficient demonstrated no significant relationship in Q angle between right and left legs. Moreover, Chi – square test showed that despite high percent of abnormality of Q angle, there was no significant difference between Q angle and severity of injury (P<0.05). Results of this study showed that abnormal quadriceps angle (Q angle) may affect non-contact injuries of the lower extremity in male karate players.