title: Immediate changes in the quadriceps femoris angle after insertion of an orthotic device.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To measure changes in the quadriceps femoris angle (Q-angle) after the insertion of full-length flexible orthotics.
  
  
  METHODS
  Outpatient health center of Logan College of Chiropractic.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 40 male subjects were included in the study population. The selected population all demonstrated bilateral pes planus or hyperpronation syndrome.
  
  
  METHODS
  Before-after trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cohort demonstrating bilateral hyperpronation was recruited. The subjects were cast according to standard protocols provided by the manufacturer. Subject right and left Q-angles were measured with and without the orthotic in place. The landmarks used were marked with a permanent marker, and great care was taken to accurately assess the angles formed. The evaluator was not told whether the measure was before or after orthotic insertion. A modified quailcraft goniometer was used.
  
  
  METHODS
  The data set was collected and assessed by the t test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-nine of 40 test subjects showed reduced Q-angle, which was in the direction of correction. A 2-tailed matched sample showed statistically significant mean reduction in Q-angle measures. There was a minority of patients who showed asymmetrical Q-angle measures. Within this group there was greater symmetry of Q-angle measures after placement of the orthotic.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Insertion of full-length, flexible orthotic devices significantly improves the Q-angle in hyperpronating male subjects. If the literature accurately links an increase in the Q-angle with a predisposition for knee injury, then the possibility of long-term benefits following the use of flexible orthotics exists. More research is required to determine whether these biomechanical changes are maintained after use of these orthotics.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Science and Chiropractic Divisions, Postgraduate Faculty, Radiology Consultants/Midwest, Logan College of Chiropractic, Chesterfield, Mo 63006, USA.
authors.forename: D Robert
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Kuhn
authors.forename: Terry R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Yochum
authors.forename: Anton R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Cherry
authors.forename: Sean S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Rodgers
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D015331:Cohort Studies; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D007719:Knee Joint; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D011403:Pronation; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular