Preliminary comparative study of the Q angle in pregnant and non-pregnant women for the prevention of orthopedic problems

Orthopedic knee problems are the main cause of pain in pregnant women from the third trimester of pregnancy, mainly. The musculoskeletal problems that affect pregnant women can remain after childbirth, therefore, their prophylaxis is a necessity for health care. In this sense, a comparative analysis was performed between the measurements of the Q angle of samples of pregnant and non-pregnant women to verify the changes in this angle to serve as a basis for prophylactic treatments when the angle is increased. Measurements were made following the Q angle measurement protocol, and other data were obtained to verify the relationship of the Q angle with age, height, weight, Body Metabolic Index [BMI], hip circumference, and superior anterior iliac spine measurement up to the patella. These data were compared with the Q angle values for both samples, and subsequently, the angle values were compared between pregnant and non-pregnant women. Statistical data and analysis of absolute values showed that there was an increase in the Q angle of pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women and the comparison of BMI with the Q angle showed a higher r² for pregnant women.