GENDER DIFFERENCE IN KNEE JOINT PROPRIOCEPTION IN HEALTHY ASYMPTOMATIC INDIVIDUALS - AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Introduction: Proprioception is a sense of movement which is ability to perceive direction and velocity and sense of force,which is ability to estimate amount of muscular force generated. It may vary due to may factors like degenerative changes, activity level,injury,age, gender and dominence, so this study is to evaluate the difference of knee joint proprioception in both males and females. Purpose:The purpose of this study is to evaluate the gender difference in knee joint proprioception in healthy asymptomatic individuals. Methodology: 60 participants of both genders were included in this study, joint position error was assessed using goniometer in high sitting position, with eyes blindfolded. Joint position senses of both knees were assessed at 15, 30 and 45 degrees, and the mean of 3 readings at each angle was considered for analysis. Result: Joint position sense shows: In Females at 15º:- Right (2.618±1.471) , Left (3.274±1.55) , 30º Right (5.362± 1.021) Left(5.797 ±1.074) , 45º Right (6.585 ±1.883) Left (5.997 ±1.253) respectively. In Males at 15º Right (1.151 ±0.87) left (1.286 ±0.791); 30º Right (3.53± 0.855) Left (3.641± 1.012);45ºRight (3.875± 0.894) left (3.985 ±1.018) respectively. Conclusion: Gender difference found in knee joint proprioception in healthy asymptomatic individuals, females have less proprioception acuity than males.