Sheena Dauer

Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2006

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Health, Physical Education, and Recreation

Abstract

Purpose: This study was designed to assess the correlation between Quadriceps angle (Q angle) measured bilaterally in healthy, active women and force production as measured using a plyo press.

Methods: Seventy-four (n = 74) healthy, college and middle age females (19.9 ± 2.3 yrs) representing Division I soccer, volleyball, softball, track, cross country, and collegiate recreational students and faculty participated in this study. Q angle was measured bilaterally by one researcher in a standing position with standardized foot placement. Quartiles (01 􀃧4.5° , Q 2 5°-7° , 03 7.5°-9.5°,Q4 ::10° ) of Q angles were established according to the degree of Q angle each subject exhibited. Force and power production were assessed using the Plyo Press (Frappier Acceleration, Fargo, ND) integrated with a force plate and A I M Software (3PQ, Frappier Acceleration). Participants performed three, maximal countermovement jumps at ~10 sec intervals at 120% of body weight.

Results: There were 20, 20, 21 and 11 subjects in the highest to lowest quartile of Q angles. Mean total positive work performed for one jump was lower (p=0.01) in Q 4 (1580.2 ± 74.1 Joules) compared to 01 (1790.5 ± 88. 7 J), 0 2 (1913.7 ± 78.1 J), and Q 3 (1808.2 ± 65.4 J). Maximal positi've power was lower (p=0.06) in 0 4 (1773.8 ± 119. 0 watts) compared to 01 (2019.4 ± 83.4 watts), 02 (2060.7 ± 93.3 watts}, and Q 3 (2114.7± 77.1 watts). Total positive work performed during 30 seconds of jumping was also lower (p=0.07) in 04 (6541.8 ± 400.4 J) compared to 01 (7799.9 ± 365.5 J), Q 2 (7825.6 ± 331.3 J) and 03 (7399.2 ± 427.3 J). Maximal positive power during 30 seconds of

jumping was lower (p=0.04) in Q 4 (1679. 2 ± 130. 4 watts) compared to Q 1 (1956.5 ± 100. 5 watts), Q2 (2000. 9 ± 88. 7 watts) and Q3 (2060. 9 ± 80. 7 watts).

Conclusion: Active females of primarily collegiate athletic population, who have Q angles in the greatest quartile (>10° } are not able to produce as much power as those females who have Q angles in lower quartiles. I t remains to be determined if the relationship between Q angle and power output contributes to Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries in females.

Key Words: Q UADRICEPS ANGLE, Q ANGLE, FORCE PRODUCTION, FEMALE, PLYO PRESS

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Leg -- Anatomy

Exercise for women -- Physiological aspects

Jumping -- Physiological aspects

Muscle strength

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

61

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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