The role of structural and neurophysiological factors in the knee extensor moment production in women with patellofemoral pain

Author(s)

Marina Cabral Waiteman

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Presidente Prudente. 2020-02-21.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia. Presidente Prudente
• Defense date: 2020-02-10
• Advisor: Fábio Mícolis de Azevedo

Abstract

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is one of the most commonly reported knee disorder in general population and also in specific populations (athletes, adolescents and military), being women the most affected population. For years, researchers have been investigated several mechanisms in an attempt to understand the development and persistence of PFP, such quadriceps muscular function. More specifically, alterations on knee extensor moment (KEM) production have been reported, although poor explored so far, and defined as important to be more deeply explored in PFP context. It is suggested that a better comprehension about mechanisms involved with KEM alterations can provide novel information about PFP development and also novel insights for clinical approaches to be investigated in order to help in PFP prognosis. Interestingly, it has been proposed that KEM alterations can be inter-related to structural and neurophysiological factors, which were recently explored in PFP. However, these inter-relationships have not been investigated. The mainly aim of this work was to investigate the role of knee crepitus presence and H reflex alterations in KEM in women with PFP based in two important studies that substantiated this mainly work. Controversial findings related to what have been proposed in theory by the literature were found. However these are only primary investigations and caution with any conclusion should be taken. Future investigations are important for more comprehension about KEM alterations in PFP. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/07542-7 - Investigation about neurophysiological alterations in women with patellofemoral pain: association with performance in clinical tests and knee joint moment during functional tasks
• Grantee: Marina Cabral Waiteman
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master