The step height and the stepping distance as important predictors of the maximal knee joint angle in stepping movements - A proposal for the reconditioning of the injured knee@

ABSTRACT

The strategies of steps negotiation by individuals were investigated with the aim of relating anthropometric variable; step height; and stepping distance to the joint movements at the knee. Measurements of statures and lengths of limb; leg and foot were taken from 30 subjects. Absolute maximal knee angles were obtained separately for each of the subjects - for different step heights and for different stepping distances. Correlation coefficients of anthropometric variables with the knee angle were compared in cases in which the step height was normalised with respect to each of the anthropometric variables. Stature was eventually used to normalize both step height and stepping distance. A regression equation was developed to predict the absolute maximal knee angle for a given relative step height and at a given relative distance