Correlation of eccentric strength of the knee extensors and knee proprioception with dynamic postural control

It is important for clinicians and researchers to perform dynamic postural control evaluation for predicting musculoskeletal conditions, injury prevention, and rehabilitation.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship (1) between the eccentric strength of the knee extensors and star excursion balance test (SEBT), and (2) between the knee proprioception and SEBT.

Forty healthy young adults participated in this study. The eccentric peak torque (EPT) of the knee extensors, joint position sense, and force sense were measured. The participants also performed SEBT. Pearson's product-moment correlation and multiple linear regression analysis were used to determine the relationship between the variables and SEBT.

The posteromedial direction of the SEBT was positively and strongly correlated with EPT (r= 0.74, P< 0.01). The anterior and posterolateral directions were positively and moderately correlated with EPT (r= 0.46, P< 0.01, and r= 0.69, P< 0.01, respectively.). However, knee proprioception was not correlated with all the directions of SEBT (P> 0.05). According to the results of multiple linear regression analysis, EPT of the knee extensors significantly predicted SEBT reach distances.

The eccentric strength of the knee extensors seems to be an essential factor in dynamic postural control. However, the knee proprioception did not show a significant correlation with SEBT.