The effect of pelvic stabilization training on dynamic knee valgus, activity and muscles strength around the pelvis

Background Pelvic instability is often associated with angular deviations of lower limb and often causes valgus shift of the knee joint under load. In addition, non-contact ACL tears during sport activity are often caused by muscles weakness around the pelvis. Therefore, reinforcing the pelvic stabilizing muscles may counterbalance dynamic knee valgus (DKV). The aim of this research is to increase the activity of the pelvic stabilizing muscles through a specific exercise program and to investigate its effect of DKV after six-week pelvic stabilization training. Methods 22 subjects (male/female: 16/6) participated in the study. Before and after the training, DKV was determined on both sides using a Kinect camera, muscles activity and strength was measured by EMG system and wireless dynamometer. Results DKV decreased from 3.15–1.03% for the left knee and from 3.89–1.26% for the right knee. The magnitude of change was significant (p < 0.001). Conclusions Strengthening the pelvic stabilization muscles induced a substantial improvement in knee valgus, and thus reduced the risk of developing cruciate ligament injuries. This study provides a direct link between an easy diagnosed predisposing factor a common sports injury, and offers a simple countermeasure in the form of specific exercises, that may be included against ACL injuries.