Correlation between Dynamic Balance and Likelihood of Valgus Collapse in the Knee

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the relationship between dynamic balance and risk of valgus collapse. Methods: An exploratory observational analysis was completed. This study consisted of fifty subjects between the ages of 18 and 35. Each subject performed a standard Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), and measurements were recorded in each reach direction to identify dynamic balance performance. The subject wasthen recorded using video motion analysis software performing a Drop-Jump Test (DJT) to record the amount of valgus collapse. A correlational measure was then completed to test for associationbetween the two variables.Results: Through analysis with a correlation matrix in SPSS it was found that there was no significant correlation (p ≥ .05) between a subjects score on SEBT and their amount of valgus collapse on the drop jump test. Conclusion: No significant correlation was found between dynamic balance scores and valgus alignment during dynamic movement in young adults. In measuring a subject’s level of valgus collapse using the DJT and correlating with their level of dynamic balance using the SEBT, no relationship was found between having poor dynamic balance and having valgus collapse. There was also no found relationship between having good dynamic balance and a lack of valgus collapse. In light of these results, other musculoskeletal deficits such as trunk landing angle; knee, hip and ankle range of motion deficits; motor control deficits; hip, knee and ankle strength deficits; the level of sports participation; previous coaching; Body Mass Index (BMI); and lack of core control may contribute individually or in combination to dynamic knee position during landing. Further investigation of these variables is warranted.