ACL Risk Factors Using Lower Limb Joint Angles in Single-Leg Drop Landing between Young Athletes with Normal and Flatfeet

Knowledge of the changes of lower limb joint anglesduring landing provides good fundamental understanding to prevent knee injuries in people with flatfeet. Hence, the purpose of the present study was to compare lower limb angles as ACL risk factor during single leg drop landing in athletes with flatfeet and normal.
In the current investigation, 10 young male athletes with flatfeet and 10 young male athletes with normal foot participated. The foot arch was measured using navicular drop test. Navicular drop between 5 to 9 mm was classified as normal foot and navicular drop greater than 10 mm as flatfeet. The kinematic and kinetic data were recorded using motion analysis and force plate. Data processing was performed via Mathlab software and lower limb angles parameters in knee maximum flexion in three motion plates were statistically analyzed running MANOVA at significance level of α = 0/05.
Significant differences were observed between the two groups in knee valgus (p=0/045) and hip adduction (p=0/037) angles in frontal plane. No Significant differences were observed between the two groups in other joint angles in other planes.
According to the results, changes in the normal structure of the foot arch and consequently body alignment might affectlower limb angles in daily activities and sport that can cause changes in the pattern of injuries. The results of the current study can help better organize a rehabilitation program and activities for those with flatfeet.