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A Novel Application of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging
Published on: September 17, 2013
Hip abductor function and lower extremity landing kinematics: sex differences
Cale A Jacobs1, Timothy L Uhl, Carl G Mattacola
1University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40504, USA. cjaco@lexclin.com
Journal of Athletic Training
|June 29, 2007
Summary
Women exhibit weaker hip abductor strength and greater knee valgus during jump landings, potentially increasing injury risk. This suggests hip abductor strength is crucial for knee control in women.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Acute knee injuries often occur during rapid deceleration in sports like jumping.
- Limited research exists on sex-based differences in hip abductor function and landing kinematics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex differences in hip abductor function related to lower extremity landing mechanics.
Main Methods:
- 30 healthy adults (15 women, 15 men) performed single-leg landings.
- Measured isometric peak torque (PT) and endurance capacity (%E) of hip abductors.
- Assessed lower extremity kinematics, including peak joint displacement (PJD).
Main Results:
- Women had lower hip abductor PT (normalized) than men (P=.009).
- Women showed greater knee valgus PJD during landing (P=.04).
- Hip abductor strength correlated more with landing kinematics in women than men.
Conclusions:
- Lower hip abductor strength and increased knee valgus in women may elevate acute knee injury risk.
- Hip abductor strength appears more critical for knee neuromuscular control in women.
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