Knee joint laxity was found to be greater in women, individuals with smaller bone frame size, and those with higher body fat percentage, while laxity was lower in individuals with higher physical activity levels, suggesting that strengthening musculature and physical activity are essential for ligamentary injury prevention.
Key Findings
Results
Women demonstrated greater knee laxity than men at both force levels measured.
Greater femorotibial laxity was observed in women: 6.9 mm at 88N (p = 0.047) and 8.9 mm at 132N (p = 0.001).
Women also showed increased internal rotation (28.7°) and external rotation (27.76°) compared to men.
The study included 114 patients over 18 years old without any history of knee ligament injuries.
Mean age of participants was 21.04 ± 2.2 years.
Results
Individuals with smaller bone frame size had higher ACL laxity.
ACL laxity was higher in individuals with smaller bone frame size, measuring 8.67 mm at 132N.
Bone frame size was among the factors analyzed alongside sex, body composition, and physical activity.
Body composition was evaluated with the OMRON HBF-514c body composition monitor and scale.
ACL laxity was measured using the KNEELAX 3® arthrometer.
Results
Higher body fat percentage was associated with greater ACL laxity.
ACL laxity was higher in individuals with higher body fat percentage.
Body composition including fat percentage was assessed using the OMRON HBF-514c body composition monitor and scale.
This finding was identified alongside bone frame size as a contributing factor to knee laxity.
The study used bioimpedance parameters to assess body composition.
Results
Higher physical activity levels were associated with lower ACL laxity.
Participants with higher physical activity levels showed lower ACL laxity.
Physical activity was classified using the Tegner scale.
This finding supports the role of musculature strengthening through physical activity in reducing knee laxity.
The inverse relationship between physical activity and laxity was identified as relevant for ligamentary injury prevention.
Methods
The study used multiple measurement tools to assess knee stability and body composition in young adults without prior knee ligament injuries.
ACL laxity was measured using the KNEELAX 3® arthrometer at force levels of 88N and 132N.
Internal and external rotation were measured with PhidgetSpatial Precision inertial sensors.
Lachman and Pivot Shift tests were performed as indicators of ACL stability.
A total of 114 patients over 18 years old were included, with a mean age of 21.04 ± 2.2 years.
All participants had no history of knee ligament injuries.