Gesture standardization increases the reproducibility of 3D kinematic measurements of the knee joint

Background The literature on the 3D kinematics of the knee suggests that the gesture accomplished during kinematic assessment might play a significant role in the values measured. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that a standardized gesture leads to an increased reproducibility in 3D kinematic measurements of the knee. Methods Seventeen healthy male subjects performed series of knee-bends in standardized and unconstrained conditions while their left knee’s 3D kinematics were recorded using an optical motion-recording system. Standardized knee-bends were performed in a specially designed structure stabilizing the shoulders, pelvis and feet. Coefficient of multiple correlation were calculated for the ascent and the descent phases of the knee-bends for the tibial rotation and abduction/adduction components of the knee movement. Findings Comparisons between coefficient of multiple correlation of the different gesture conditions showed a statistically significant increase in reproducibility for the tibial rotation during the standardized knee-bends. Interpretation It appears that gesture standardization is an interesting option to consider for precise kinematic assessment of the living human knee.