Muscular torque analysis in individuals with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Abstract

One of the most common disorders of the lower limb is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), characterized by pain in front of the knee that worsens with activities that increase the compressive forces in the joint usually associated with activities that involve weight-bearing in the lower limb. The etiology of PFPS is not clearly defined but might be originated from biomechanical and structural changes. Recently it has been suggested that changes in the pattern of quadriceps muscle strength may change the contact area and stress on the patellofemoral joint, increasing stress, as well as the weakness of the muscles stabilizing the hip can lead to increased hip adduction and femoral medial rotation, modifying patellar tracking, also increasing stress and exacerbating joint symptoms of pain. The aim of this study is to evaluate the torque of the quadriceps muscles and hip muscles in women with and without PFPS. 20 healthy volunteers and 20 volunteers with PFPS will be selected within the Campus of Ribeirão Preto, University of Sao Paulo, and will be included in the study those who have all inclusion and exclusion criteria for the Healthy and PFPS groups. Torque will be assessed in the following muscle groups: flexors and knee extensors, hip abductors and adductors, external rotators and hip medial rotators, hip flexors and extensors. The results of the study will add information about a better way to evaluate the PFPS providing better results in the treatment of PFPS.(AU)