During multi-segmental flexion, which issue is listed as contributing to knee valgus during dynamic movement patterns?

• A. Knee valgus due to ankle dorsiflexion restriction
• B. Hip external rotation tightness
• C. Thoracic rigidity
• D. Lumbar stiffness

Answer: (A)

When the ankle cannot move into enough dorsiflexion during multi-segmental flexion, the body can’t freely progress the tibia forward over the foot to maintain knee alignment. To reach the desired depth or control the center of gravity, the knee tends to move into a valgus position, with the knee collapsing inward. This is because the limited ankle motion shifts the compensations upward in the chain, often involving the knee (and hip) to accommodate the movement, which increases dynamic valgus stress on the knee during activities like squatting, landing, or cutting.

Other options aren’t as directly linked to knee valgus in this context. Hip external rotation tightness tends to affect outward rotation of the thigh rather than the inward collapse at the knee. Thoracic rigidity and lumbar stiffness influence trunk mechanics more than the frontal-plane knee alignment during these dynamic patterns.