Reliable detection of between- trial differences in peak 3D knee valgus may at least be possible by the 2D approach for these subjects. This result is important, as it suggests that a 2D method may still offer some potential as an evaluation tool within training programmes aimed at reducing valgus motions.
Athletes
exhibiting the greatest 3D knee valgus angles, for example,
are known to be at the greatest risk of suffering an ACL injury
by this mechanism.
11
They will therefore probably require
relatively large reductions in knee valgus to achieve ‘‘safe’’
normative magnitudes.
11 13
If training can reduce peak 3D
valgus motions by magnitudes similar to the largest between-
trial variations observed here for this variable, then reliable
detection of these changes should be possible with a 2D
method. We did not implement any form of training in this
study, nor did we instruct subjects to alter their valgus
patterns in any way during movement trials. Hence, the true
potential for the 2D method as a training evaluation tool
remains speculative. More work is necessary to determine
whether long term modifications to valgus motions are
possible, and, if so, by what magnitude they can realistically
be changed, before inclusion of 2D video as an evaluation can
seriously be considered