Patellofemoral pain: relationship with trunk and knee flexor muscles and joint mechanics alterations

Author(s)

Ronaldo Valdir Briani

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Presidente Prudente. 2021-06-02.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia. Presidente Prudente
• Defense date: 2021-04-30
• Advisor: Fábio Mícolis de Azevedo

Abstract

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is characterized by diffuse anterior knee pain exacerbated by activities that increase the load in the patellofemoral joint. One of the main focus of PFP research has been the knee extensors, hip abductors and extensors. Despite the evidenced importance of these muscle groups to PFP, this disorder has a multifactorial characteristic and other muscle groups may also be compromised. Findings from previous studies indicate that changes in the muscle capacity of the knee flexors and trunk muscles (lateral, anterior and extensor flexors) may also be associated with PFP, although further studies are needed to further understand this topic. In addition, impaired function of the trunk and knee flexor muscles may be associated with changes in joint mechanics during functional tasks due to PFP. To better understand the influence of PFP on trunk and lower limb mechanics, overcoming limitations caused by the intermittent nature of PFP and the cross-sectional design of most studies, investigating the influence of PFP exacerbation on these variables can be an interesting alternative. In this context, six original studies that compose this thesis were carried out with the general objective of investigating the relationship of PFP with trunk and knee flexor muscles and the influence of PFP exacerbation on trunk and lower limb mechanics. Overall, the findings of these studies indicated impairments in the muscle function of the knee flexors and trunk muscles, which were related to pain or objective function of individuals with PFP. In addition, changes in knee joint mechanics and trunk coordination were found during functional tasks after the exacerbation of DFP. Put together, these findings contribute to the understanding of the relationship between trunk and knee flexor muscles with PFP and how the exacerbation of PFP influences joint mechanics. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/20483-7 - Study of coupling angle, variability and coordination of the trunk and lower limb of woment with and without patellofemoral pain during stair ascent and descent before and after pain exacerbation.
• Grantee: Ronaldo Valdir Briani
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate