Is quadriceps h-reflex excitability a risk factor for patellofemoral pain?

Author(s)

Marcella Ferraz Pazzinatto

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Presidente Prudente. 2019-11-06.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia. Presidente Prudente
• Defense date: 2019-11-06
• Advisor: Fábio Mícolis de Azevedo; Fernando Henrique Magalhães

Abstract

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is one of the most common conditions in orthopedic practice while recent evidence has suggested that it may be a predisposing factor to patellofemoral osteoarthritis. In addition to biomechanical alterations associated with the pathomechanisms underlying PFP, the investigation of neurophysiological alterations might provide novel information in the understanding of the pathophysiology of PFP. In this direction, the Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex), the electrical homologous of the stretch reflex, has been used in an attempt to better understand how the central nervous system integrates the descending signals with those coming from the periphery, it has been used as an indirect measurement of spinal excitability. This thesis aimed to comprehensively investigate the role of the H-reflex in women with PFP. Firstly, a cross-sectional study was proposed aiming to facilitate the implementation of neurophysiological measures in the clinical setting through the assessment of the tendon reflex (T-reflex) using a simple clinical hammer. Findings from these and other previous studies instigated the authors to raise the hypothesis whether lower H-reflex is a risk factor or a consequence of PFP. In order to answer this question, the authors proposed a 1-year prospective observational cohort study. Given the results presented in this thesis, we understand the contribution of neurophysiological aspects in PFP. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/19784-0 - Does altered modulation of the H-reflex is a risk factor for patellofemoral pain?
• Grantee: Marcella Ferraz Pazzinatto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate