Which is the implication of overweight and obesity for functional capacity of women with patellofemoral pain

Abstract

Elevated patellofemoral joint (PFJ) stress has been proposed as the main factor related to patellofemoral pain (PFP) that lead to reduced functional capacity. In this context, excess body mass, frequently measured by body mass index (BMI), may result in increased PFJ stress. However, to date no study has addressed the impact of elevated BMI on the functional capacity of individuals with PFP. Therefore, this project aims to compare the functional capacity of women with PFP according to their BMI (normal weight x overweight x obesity). Thus, women with PFP aging 18 to 35 years will be recruited and divided into three groups: PFP normal weight, PFP overweight and PFP obesity. Self-reported functional capacity, physical activity and pain will be initially obtained through the Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS), Baecke and Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAS) instruments, respectively. Then, the performance of the volunteers will be assessed during the functional tests: step-down test, single-leg hop test and resistance tests of abdominal musculature. Finally, the isometric hip abductors and knee extensors peak torque will be assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Statistical analysis will consist of comparing groups by means of unidirectional analysis of variance (ANOVA) with three factors. The level of significance will be ± <0.05.