Parameters and comparisons of the quadriceps angle of college-aged men and women in the supine and standing positions

Am J Sports Med. 1992 Mar-Apr;20(2):208-11. doi: 10.1177/036354659202000220.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine normal, mean quadriceps angles (Q angles) for college-aged men and women, and to compare Q angles measured in the supine and the standing positions. The Q angles of 269 men and 257 women were measured in both positions by use of a specially modified goniometer. The mean Q angle for men was 12.7 degrees in the supine position and 13.6 degrees in the standing position; for women the mean Q angle was 15.8 degrees in the supine position and 17.0 degrees in the standing position. All of these differences were statistically significant. We calculated the incidence of an abnormally high Q angle, and will discuss the implications of our findings.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anthropometry*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patella / anatomy & histology*
  • Patella / physiology
  • Pelvic Bones / anatomy & histology*
  • Posture*
  • Reference Values
  • Sex Factors
  • Supine Position
  • Thigh / anatomy & histology*