The relationship of quadriceps (Q) angle and body mass index with non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injury among male athletes

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to identify the relationship of Quadriceps (Q) angle and Body Mass Index (BMI) with non-contact Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury among collegiate male track and field athletes. Methods: A case control study done at Sports Medicine Unit, National Hospital of Sri Lanka and Ministry of Sports Sri Lanka recruited collegiate male track and field athletes aged 15-25 years with noncontact ACL injury (n=35) as cases and age matched healthy athletes as controls (n=70). Stadiometer, electrical weighing scale and goniometer were used to measure height, weight and Q angle respectively. Results: Mean age of the cases and controls were 20.63±2.98 years and 20.67±2.98 years respectively. The mean BMI in cases group was 23.79±1.91 kg/m2 and control group was 21.85±1.27 kg/m2 (p<0.05). The mean value of the Q angle in case group was 15.93° ± 1.34 and control group was 14.29° ± 0.84 (p<0.05). Conclusion: This group of male track and field athletes with non-contact ACL injury had a significantly higher BMI and Q angle compared to the non-injured athletes. These factors have to be considered with other risk factors associated, during the development of management and preventive strategies.