Does the static Q angle reflect dynamic landing mechanics?

This study investigated the effects of static quadriceps angle (Q-angle) and body composition on dynamic landing mechanics in young female athletes.

Twenty-four right-limb dominant female athletes (age: 17.04 ± 0.36 years, BMI: 20.65 ± 2.62) participated. Body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance. Static Q-angle, frontal plane projection angle (FPPA), and Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) scores during a drop vertical jump were analyzed using 120 fps cameras and Kinovea software.

Correlation analysis revealed significant negative relationships between right Q-angle and both right FPPA (rho = -0.440, p = .031) and left FPPA (rho = -0.490, p = .015). A significant positive correlation was found between body fat percentage and LESS scores (r = .521, p = .009). The regression model explained 22.6% of variance in right FPPA, showing a near-significant exploratory trend for right Q-angle (beta = -0.394, p = .060). ROC analysis suggested a potential, exploratory threshold value of 15.00 degrees for right Q-angle to detect high-risk landing mechanics (LESS > 6), yielding 78.6% sensitivity and 60.0% specificity, although the model did not reach formal statistical significance (p = .143).

While the static Q-angle demonstrates a preliminary correlation with dynamic knee valgus tendencies in the dominant limb, non-significant predictive models prevent its use as a definitive standalone screening tool at this stage. Conversely, an elevated body fat percentage independently impairs overall movement quality rather than altering specific frontal plane joint angles.

Not applicable.