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Quadriceps MuscleNCT05894551

Q Angle in Static and Dynamic Postures

An observational study of Quadriceps Muscle and Orthopedic Disorder, run by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa at 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The Q angle, also known as the quadriceps angle, is defined as the angle formed between the quadriceps muscles and the patella tendon. It was first described by Brattstrom in 1964 (1). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 25 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Quadriceps Muscle, Orthopedic Disorder
What is being tested?
Evaluation of q angles different positions, Physical examination and Functional mobility assessment
How many people
130 participants
Where
2 sitesTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
1 May 2022to 15 Jul 2023
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 25 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Study population: Volunteers aged 18-25 years, healthy individuals without any spinal or neurologic injury and any injury leading to ligament, muscle or bone defect in their lower extremities.

Who may be able to join

  • being between the ages of 18-25
  • being volunteer
  • not have any condition that may affect cooperation

Who cannot join

  • Individuals with any injury to their lower extremities that cause ligament, muscle or bone defect and any spinal or neurological injury
  • individuals diagnosed with any knee disorder such as fracture, acute or chronic knee pain, patella dislocation

Trial locations and contacts

2 sites in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)2 sites
  • Hatay Mustafa Kemal University

    Hatay

  • Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa

    Istanbul, Istanbul

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Investigation of the Changing of Quadriceps Angle in Static and Dynamic Postures in Healthy Adults and Its Relation With Physical Parameters

The Q angle, also known as the quadriceps angle, is defined as the angle formed between the quadriceps muscles and the patella tendon. It was first described by Brattstrom in 1964 (1). The Q angle is the angle between the line extending from the anterior superior of the spina iliaca to the midpoint of the patella and the line extending from the midpoint of the patella to the tuberositas tibia (2). Normally, this angle is between 8-14 degrees in men and 11-20 degrees in women. Any alignment change that increases the Q angle is thought to increase the lateral force on the patella.

The Q angle is generally evaluated in static postures in the literature. The Q angle value varies according to the patient's gender, the contractility of the quadriceps, and the patient's posture (standing or supine) (3).

Q angle was evaluated in a static posture with a standard goniometer or computerized biophotogrammetry (4) Q angle changes with the forces applied by dynamic structures. It is insufficient to evaluate only in a static posture. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the effect of dynamic structures on the Q angle using 2D gait analysis (video) and to detect the early signs of deviation of changes in the q angle.

Read the detailed description

The Q angle is a very important tool in evaluating the function of the knee joint and describing the biomechanical alignment and function of the lower extremity (5). Abnormal values may cause joint problems later on, and in some cases, may affect the quadriceps reflex time, causing subluxation of the patella or an increased risk of developing anterior cruciate ligament ACL injury (5). For this reason, the Q angle is routinely and regularly used as an evaluation parameter when diagnosing many knee-related problems, including anterior knee pain, osteoarthritis, and degenerative knee disorders. When evaluated correctly, it provides very useful information about the alignment of the pelvis, legs and feet (6-8).

Therefore, determining the Q angle is very important, especially for athletic and physically active patients (9). In most studies, the Q angle was measured using a goniometer or with a modified goniometer (10-12). Biedert et al. by radiography (3). Braz et al. determined the Q angle with digital photogrammetry (13). In the literature, the q angle was generally evaluated in the supine or standing position (14). Higher Q angle values have been reported when transitioning from the supine position to the standing position (15). The increased Q angle while standing has been attributed to changes in lower extremity alignment due to weight bearing. In studies in the literature, the q angle was generally evaluated in static postures. In an ideal postural alignment, there should be a dynamic balance between muscles, joints and skeletal structures (16-17). Not only static structures but also dynamic structures are responsible for problems related to the alignment of the patella. For this reason, it is important to know the changes in the q angle not only in static postures but also in dynamic postures. Evaluation in correct postures is essential for diagnosis, planning and follow-up of the development and results of physical therapy (16).

The primary aim of this study was to report the prevalence and normative reference values of the q angle in the midstance phase of gait using 2D analysis (video).

The secondary aim of this study is to examine the variation of q angles during the midstance phase gait with Q angle values in static postures.

The tertiary aim of this study is to examine the relationship of q angles with different parameters such as age, gender, BMI, lower extremity strength, and hypermobility.

Demographic information (age, weight, height, etc.) will be obtained from healthy volunteers included in the study. As primary outcome measures, q-angles will be measured in static posture (supine and standing) and dynamic posture (with video analysis). Markers will be placed on the relevant places (SIAS, Patella middle and tuberositas tibia). Afterward, the video recordings will be played in slow motion and the evaluators will pause the video during the mid-stance phases of the gait, and the q-angles will be determined with the two-dimensional video analysis software (Kinoveav.0.8.15).

As secondary outcome measures, pelvis width and thigh length with a tape measure and femoral anteversion goniometer with quadriceps muscle strength, hamstring muscle strength, Hip abduction, adduction, internal and external rotation and extension muscle strength with hand-held dynamometer, joint mobility with Beighton score, foot posture index and functionality will be evaluated by walking 8 meters.

Being tested
Evaluation of q angles different positions, Physical examination, Functional mobility assessment
Keywords
q angle, dynamic q angle, lower extremity function
Medical subject headings
Musculoskeletal Diseases

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Evaluation of q angles different positionsOther

    Q angle evaluation in two different static postures (upright and supine position) and dynamic posture during the midstance phase of the gait

  • Physical examinationOther

    With goniometric evaluations, the femoral anteversion angle will be measured. Pelvis width and thigh length will be measured with a tape measure. Quadriceps muscle strength, hamstring muscle strength, Hip abduction, adduction, internal and external rotation and extension muscle strength will be measured with hand-held dynamometer.

    Joint mobility will be assessed with the Beighton score and foot posture will be evaluated with the foot posture index-6 (FPI-6).

  • Functional mobility assessmentOther

    10-meter walking test will be conducted to understand functional mobility.

Study groups in NCT05894551
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
healthy participantsVolunteers aged 18-25 years, healthy individuals without any spinal or neurologic injury and any injury leading to ligament, muscle or bone defect in their lower extremities
Receives: Other: Evaluation of q angles different positions; Other: Physical examination; Other: Functional mobility assessment

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Q angle

    Q angle measurement in three different position; in supine, standing and midstance phase during gait. The static and dynamic positions of the participants will be recorded as a photo and frame from video recording, then the measurements will be conducted with 2-dimensions movement analysis software. The unit of measurement will be recorded in angle degree.

    Measured: baseline

Secondary outcomes (7)
  1. Pelvic width

    Pelvic width will be measured with a tape and the unit of measurement will be recorded in centimeters.

    Measured: baseline

  2. Thigh length

    It will be measured with a tape and the unit of measurement will be recorded in centimeters.

    Measured: baseline

  3. Femoral anteversion angle

    The femoral anteversion angle will be measured with goniometer. The normal angle is +10 degrees, with a range of -3 to +20 degrees. The unit of measurement will be recorded in angle degree.

    Measured: baseline

  4. Lower extremity muscle strength

    Quadriceps muscle strength, hamstring muscle strength, Hip abduction, adduction, internal and external rotation and extension muscle strength will be measured with hand-held dynamometer. The unit of measurement will be recorded in libre.

    Measured: baseline

  5. Beighton score

    Joint mobility will be assessed with the Beighton score. Simple actions like bending your pinky (little) finger backward to evaluate the joint angle are involved. A nine-point scoring system is used for the Beighton score. The joints are more flexible the higher your score.

    Measured: baseline

  6. Foot posture index-6

    Foot posture will be evaluated with the foot posture index-6 (FPI-6). The FPI-6 is a rapid, accurate diagnostic tool that rates foot posture using predetermined criteria and an easy scale. It is used to determine how pronated, neutral, or supinated a foot is. Pronated postures are given a positive value, the higher the value the more pronated.

    Supinated features are given a negative value, the more negative the value the more supinated.

    For a neutral foot the final FPI aggregate score should lie somewhere around zero.

    Measured: baseline

  7. 10-meter walking test

    10-meter walking test will be conducted to understand functional mobility. The 10 Metre Walk Test is a performance indicator used to evaluate walking speed over a brief distance in meters per second. To assess functional mobility, gait, and vestibular function, it can be used. The cut-off values like that; Household Ambulator <0.40 m/s; Limited Community Ambulator 0.40 to <0.80 m/s; Community Ambulator ≥0.80 m/s. the unit of measurement will be recorded in second.

    Measured: baseline

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted8 Jun 2023
  2. Study start1 May 2022
  3. Primary completion1 Jun 2023
  4. Study completion15 Jul 2023

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Cohort
Time perspective
Prospective
Enrolment
130 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT05894551
Sponsor's protocol ID
IstanbulUC_dynamicqangle
Status last verified
Nov 2025
First submitted
31 May 2023
Last updated
28 Nov 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided

Publications

  • BRATTSTROEM H. SHAPE OF THE INTERCONDYLAR GROOVE NORMALLY AND IN RECURRENT DISLOCATION OF PATELLA. A CLINICAL AND X-RAY-ANATOMICAL INVESTIGATION. Acta Orthop Scand Suppl. 1964;68:SUPPL 68:1-148. No abstract available.

    PubMed 14171734
  • Merchant AC, Fraiser R, Dragoo J, Fredericson M. A reliable Q angle measurement using a standardized protocol. Knee. 2020 Jun;27(3):934-939. doi: 10.1016/j.knee.2020.03.001. Epub 2020 Apr 12.

    PubMed 32295725
  • Biedert RM, Warnke K. Correlation between the Q angle and the patella position: a clinical and axial computed tomography evaluation. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2001 Jun;121(6):346-9. doi: 10.1007/s004020000239.

    PubMed 11482469
  • Iunes DH, Castro FA, Salgado HS, Moura IC, Oliveira AS, Bevilaqua-Grossi D. Confiabilidade intra e interexaminadores e repetibilidade da avaliação postural pela fotogrametria. Rev Bras Fisioter. 2005;9(3):327-334.

  • Khasawneh RR, Allouh MZ, Abu-El-Rub E. Measurement of the quadriceps (Q) angle with respect to various body parameters in young Arab population. PLoS One. 2019 Jun 13;14(6):e0218387. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218387. eCollection 2019.

    PubMed 31194851
  • Daneshmandi H, Saki F, Shahheidari S, Khoori A. Lower extremity Malalignment and its linear relation with Q angle in female athletes. 3rd World Conf Educ Sci-2011. 2011;15: 3349-3354.

  • Nguyen AD, Boling MC, Levine B, Shultz SJ. Relationships between lower extremity alignment and the quadriceps angle. Clin J Sport Med. 2009 May;19(3):201-6. doi: 10.1097/JSM.0b013e3181a38fb1.

    PubMed 19423972
  • Almeida GP, Silva AP, Franca FJ, Magalhaes MO, Burke TN, Marques AP. Q-angle in patellofemoral pain: relationship with dynamic knee valgus, hip abductor torque, pain and function. Rev Bras Ortop. 2016 Feb 9;51(2):181-6. doi: 10.1016/j.rboe.2016.01.010. eCollection 2016 Mar-Apr.

    PubMed 27069887
  • Yilmaz A, Kabadayi M, Mayda M, Çavusoglu G, Tasmektepligi M. Analysis of Q Angle Values of Female Athletes from Different Branches. Sci Mov Heal. 2017;17: 141-146.

  • Omololu BB, Ogunlade OS, Gopaldasani VK. Normal Q-angle in an adult Nigerian population. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2009 Aug;467(8):2073-6. doi: 10.1007/s11999-008-0637-1. Epub 2008 Nov 26.

    PubMed 19034592
  • Greene CC, Edwards TB, Wade MR, Carson EW. Reliability of the quadriceps angle measurement. Am J Knee Surg. 2001 Spring;14(2):97-103.

    PubMed 11401177
  • Raveendranath R, Nachiket S, Sujatha N, Priya R, Rema D. Bilateral Variability of the Quadriceps Angle (Q angle) in an Adult Indian Population. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2011 Sep;14(5):465-71.

    PubMed 23493777
  • Braz RG, Carvalho GA. Relationship between quadriceps angle (Q) and plantar pressure distribution in football players. Rev Bras Fisioter. 2010 Jul-Aug;14(4):296-302. Epub 2010 Sep 3. English, Portuguese.

    PubMed 20949230
  • Choudhary R, Malik M, Aslam A, Khurana D, Chauhan S. Effect of various parameters on Quadriceps angle in adult Indian population. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2019 Jan-Feb;10(1):149-154. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2017.11.011. Epub 2017 Nov 23.

    PubMed 30705551
  • Guerra JP, Arnold MJ, Gajdosik RL. Q angle: effects of isometric quadriceps contraction and body position. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1994 Apr;19(4):200-4. doi: 10.2519/jospt.1994.19.4.200.

    PubMed 8173567

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Quadriceps Muscle and Orthopedic Disorder, run by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa at 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Nov 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Q angle (time frame: baseline). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05894551, which also lists 17 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 28 Nov 2025.

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