Effect of isolated hip abductor fatigue on single-leg landing mechanics and simulated ACL loading.

Background: Altered movement biomechanics are a risk factor for ACL injury. While hip abductor weakness has been shown to negatively impact landing biomechanics, the role of this musculature and injury risk is not clear. The aim of this musculoskeletal simulation study was to determine the effect of hip abductor fatigue-induced weakness on ACL loading, force production of lower extremity muscles, and lower extremity biomechanics during single-leg landing.

The effects of pediatric obesity on patellofemoral joint contact force during walking.

Background: Obesity increases a child's risk of developing knee pain across the lifespan, potentially through elevated patellofemoral joint loads that occur during habitual weight-bearing activities.

Research Question: Do obese children have greater absolute and patellar-area-normalized patellofemoral joint forces compared to healthy weight children during walking?

Methods: We utilized a cross-sectional design to address the aims of this study. Experimental biomechanics data were collected during treadmill walking in 10 healthy-weight and 10 obese 8-12 year-olds.