Joint position sense error in the hip and knee without reference to the joint angle

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Kinesiology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Joint position reproduction assesses angle acuity using a reference angle.
• Reference angles are frequently unavailable in practical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate joint position sense at varying targeted joint angles.
• Angles were estimated from maximum range of motion (maxROM) without a reference angle.

Main Methods:

• Maximum range of motion (maxROM) measured via straight leg raise (SLR) and active knee extension (AKE).
• Targeted joint angles assessed at 75%, 50%, and 25% of maxROM.
• One-sample t-test analyzed differences between targeted and reproduced angles.

Main Results:

• Significant discrepancies between reproduced and targeted angles in both SLR and AKE positions, except at 75% maxROM.
• Active knee extension (AKE) demonstrated higher position errors than straight leg raise (SLR).

Conclusions:

• Estimating joint angles from maxROM without a reference angle can cause significant inaccuracies.
• Clinical use of a reference angle may enhance proprioception and motion reproduction accuracy.