Date of Award

7-2026

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Health and Human Performance

Program

Exercise Science (MS)

First Advisor/Chairperson

Dr. Lukus Klawitter

Abstract

The quadriceps angle (q-angle) quantifies lateral pull on the knee. Females have greater static and dynamic q-angles due to anatomical factors including a wider pelvis and more lateral tibial tuberosity, which may influence ACL injury risk. The kinetic asymmetry index (KAI %) measures limb-to-limb differences in ground reaction force (GRF) impulses during dynamic tasks including countermovement jumps (CMJs), with values > 10% linked to injury risk. During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, fluctuating hormones increase joint laxity, further heightening biomechanical vulnerability in females.

This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between static and dynamic q-angle and KAI % in active, eumenorrheic females during the follicular phase (n = 19; age: 25.3 ± 7.24 years; height: 165.18 ± 6.42 cm; weight: 77.06 ± 21.4 kg). Static q-angle was measured via 2D markerless video analysis, while dynamic q-angle was assessed during CMJs across unweighing, braking, and propulsive phases. KAI % was calculated from force plate data during eccentric and concentric phases; with salivary assays to confirm menstrual phase.

Static q-angle was not significantly associated with KAI % in either phase. Dynamic q-angle was also unrelated to KAI %, except for propulsive phase, which exhibited significant moderate negative correlations with eccentric KAI % (p = .048, r = −.447) and concentric KAI % (p =.036, r = −.471). These findings suggest static q-angle alone may not indicate ACL injury risk as quantified by KAI% in this sample. However, contraction specific-phase measures may provide more relevant biomechanical insight during the follicular phase.

Access Type

Open Access

Additional Files
Madeline Poirier.pdf (280 kB)
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