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Posture Pro Now Measures
Q-Angle
Q-Angle
Measurement
The Quadriceps Angle (Q-Angle) is formed by a line drawn
from the ASIS to the center of the kneecap, and a line drawn from the center of
the knee cap to the Tibial tuberosity. The angle formed by the intersection of
these two lines should be less than 20 degrees in men and 25 degrees in women.
The higher value for women is due to a wider pelvic stance.
The Q-Angle best represents
the proper alignment of the upper and lower leg. An abnormally high Q-Angle can
cause stress on the entire kinetic chain of the lower extremity causing many
conditions from low back pain to foot pain. The following are some problems that
may cause an increased Q-Angle:
· Wide Hips (female runners)
· Knock Knees (·genu valgum)
· Pronation of the feet
· Subluxating Patella
· High riding patella (· patella alta)
· Weak Vastus Medialis
Of
particular importance is the role excessive pronation of the foot plays in an
increased Q-Angle, and how tracking of this angle can show the necessity and
show the results of a custom foot orthotic.
When the foot
excessively pronates, the lower leg rotates inward; this rotation brings the
kneecap along with it. This is what increases the Q-Angle. Recent studies have
shown an immediate decrease in the Q-Angle after insertion of a custom,
full-length foot orthotic. (Immediate changes in the quadriceps femoris angle
after insertion of an orthotic device.
JMPT
D. Robert Kuhn, DC, Terry R. Yochum, DC, Anton R. Cherry, Sean S.Rodgers http://www.mosby.com/scripts/om.dll/serve?article=a127171)
Q-Angle Reports from Posture Pro
Posture Pro will print both a quick report, shown on the right, and a full detailed report, as part of an overall posture analysis.
When saved, a Q-Angle analysis can be compared to a previous exam, just like other Posture Pro reports.
The addition of the Q-Angle measurement represents a major advance in Posture Pro technology.