Relationship between pelvic inclination and quadriceps angle in middle aged obese individuals

• Published in: Indian Journal of Physical Therapy and Research 2023-01, Vol.5 (1), p.102-107
• Main Authors: Kumar, Manish, Arya, Pratiksha
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2666-3481; 2666-349X
• DOI: 10.4103/ijptr.ijptr_93_22

Context: Many studies have engrossed on correlating one or two biomechanical parameters related to the lower limb alignment factors but not many have taken into account the effect of increased body weight on the relationship between Q-angle and pelvic tilt. Aim: The present study aims to assess the changes in pelvic inclination angle (PIA) and quadriceps angle (Q-angle) in the different categories of body mass index (BMI). Furthermore, to find an association between PIA, Q-angle, and waist-hip ratio (WHR) in different categories of BMI. Setting and Design: The Observational case control study was conducted on community dwelling individuals from Delhi NCR. Subjects and Methods: Two hundred and forty participants (120 participants of BMI score 18.5-22.9 kg/m2 (normal weight healthy individuals) and 120 participants of BMI score >25 kg/m2 (obese healthy individuals) were recruited on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. BMI, PIA, Q-angle, and WHR were assessed in the standing position. Statistical Analysis: Intra-class correlations of analysis was done using the Pearson correlation coefficient calculation for all the measured variables. Results: Significant higher mean values of PIA and Q-angle were observed in obese participants when compared with normal weight participants (P < 0.01). BMI was significantly positively correlated with PIA (P = 0.011) and Q-angle (P = 0.014) for obese population, whereas no significant association was found to normal weight healthy population. Similarly, statistically significant positive correlation was found between PIA and Q-angle (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The study concluded that increase in body weight is an important factor which influences the biomechanical alignment of kinematic chain segments of the lower quadrant of the body. Hence, it is very important to focus on proper biomechanical alignment and the whole lower extremity should be considered rather than a single segment as a factor, because one mechanical factor has the potential to compensate for or affected by another when functioning in the weight bearing position.