Iliotibial band tightness and patellofemoral pain syndrome a case-control study

Abstract

Introduction Tightness of the iliotibial band (ITB) has been associated with subjects presenting with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) (Bizzini et al., 2003; McConnell, 1986; Puniello, 1993). To date, these clinical observations have not been subject to scientific rigour. Methods Twenty-four subjects were recruited (PFPS group n = 12 , control group n = 12 ). The Ober test was conducted on both legs of each subject according to a standard operating procedure by one of the authors (ED) Reese et al., 2003. An independent observer recorded all the results. Results Independent t-tests showed no significant difference ( p > 0.05 ) in gender, age, height or weight between the two groups. Physical activity was comparable between groups. In the control group, the mean values for hip adduction were 21.4° and 20.3° for the left and right legs, respectively. In the PFPS group, the values for the non-painful and painful legs were 17.3° and 14.9°, respectively, ( Fig. 1). One way ANOVA revealed a highly significant difference between groups ( F = 4.485 , p = 0.008 ). Least significant difference post hoc analysis revealed no significant difference between the left and right legs in the control group and the painful and non-painful legs in the PFPS group. There was a significant difference between the painful leg in the PFPS group and the left and right legs in the control group, p = 0.002 and 0.009, respectively. Analysis of the non-painful leg in the PFPS group showed a significant difference between the left leg ( p = 0.04 ) and a non significant difference ( p > 0.05 ) between the right leg in the control group. Discussion/Conclusions Subjects presenting with PFPS have a tighter ITB on the painful knee, and this was shown to be highly significant compared to a control group. There was a trend that the ITB in the non-painful leg was also tighter compared to the control group.