Parameters and comparisons of the quadriceps angle of college-aged men and women in the supine and standing positions

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine normal, mean quadriceps angles (Q angles) for college-aged men and women, and to compare Q angles measured in the supine and the standing positions. The Q angles of 269 men and 257 women were measured in both positions by use of a specially modified goniometer. The mean Q angle for men was 12.7 degrees in the supine position and 13.6 degrees in the standing position; for women the mean Q angle was 15.8 degrees in the supine position and 17.0 degrees in the standing position. All of these differences were statistically significant. We calculated the incidence of an abnormally high Q angle, and will discuss the implications of our findings.