• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.107-114
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• 2011

Closed kinematic chain exercises such as squatting have been widely indicated for knee rehabilitation in patients with patellofemoral disorders such as osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain. Patellofemoral disorders are thought to be associated with abnormal patellar kinematics. In addition, the Q-angle may be undervalued in patients with patellofemoral pain and a laterally displaced patella. The purpose of this study was to assess patellar kinematics and the Q-angle during double-leg semi-squat and wall-slide semi-squat exercises. In this study, 28 asymptomatic subjects(16 male, 12 female) were assessed. Patellar tilt, patellar spin, and Q-angle were recorded using a motion analysis system during double-leg semi-squat and wall-slide semi-squat exercises. The Q-angle and patellar tilt were significantly increased, whereas patellar spin was significantly decreased, at $45^{\circ}$ of knee flexion compared with $0^{\circ}$. No differences were observed for the Q-angle, patellar tilt, and patellar spin during double-leg semi-squat and wall-slide semi-squat exercises. However, a significant interaction was observed between squat type and knee angle for patellar spin. We found that the patella is laterally tilted during semi-squat exercises and that there was no difference in patellar tracking between knee flexion during double-leg semi-squat and wall-slide semi-squat exercises.