Do patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome exhibit alterations in steadiness on hip and knee flexion?

Abstract

1. Summary Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) can lead to knee pain and disability. The aim of this study was to investigate whether patients with PFPS have altered steadiness on hip and knee flexion (measured as standard deviation of acceleration of hip and knee flexion) during two tasks. A three dimensional motion analysis system was used to record the acceleration occurring at the hip and knee joints in patients with PFPS and healthy subjects, during single knee bends and double leg squats. No significant differences in steadiness at the hip and knee joints were found between patients and healthy subjects (p > 0.05). However, a significant correlation (p = 0.02) was found between knee steadiness and the presence of knee pain during a double leg squat in patients. This alteration in knee steadiness in PFPS patients may be a compensatory mechanism to reduce patellofemoral symptoms.