Patellofemoral pain over time: Protocol for a prospective, longitudinal study investigating physical and non-physical features

Author(s)

Botta, Ana Flavia Balotari ; Waiteman, Marina Cabral ; Ducatti, Matheus Henrique Maiolini ; Garcia, Carmen Lucia Gomes ; Farinelli, Lucca Andre Liporoni Bego ; Bazett-Jones, David Matthew ; Briani, Ronaldo Valdir ; de Azevedo, Fabio Micolis

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: FRONTIERS IN SPORTS AND ACTIVE LIVING; v. 4, p. 11-pg., 2023-01-11.

Abstract

BackgroundThis is a protocol for a prospective longitudinal study that aims to investigate: (1) group-by-time changes over a minimum of 15 months follow-up in patellofemoral pain (PFP) symptoms, biomechanical, muscle function, pain processing, and psychological features; (2) the extent to which changes in biomechanical, muscle function, pain processing, and psychological features are associated with changes in self-reported pain, physical performance measures, self-reported function, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and physical activity level. MethodsIndividuals with PFP (n = 144) and control individuals (n = 85) without PFP were assessed at baseline. Outcomes assessed included: 3D kinematics and kinetics during single leg squat, step-down and single leg hop; maximal torque and rate of torque development of hip abductors and knee extensors/flexors; force steadiness of hip abductors and knee extensors; anterior and lateral trunk endurance; pressure pain thresholds at the center of patella and contralateral shoulder; kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia); pain catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale); worst self-reported pain (Visual Analogue Scale); physical performance measures (Single Leg Hop Test and Forward Step-Down Test); self-reported function (Anterior Knee Pain Scale); HRQOL (Medical Outcome Short-Form 36), and physical activity level (Baecke's Questionnaire). Follow-up assessments will be identical to the baseline and will be performed after a minimum of 15 months. Generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) will be used to investigate group-by-time differences. Linear regression models will be used to determine the extent to which changes in biomechanical, muscle function, pain processing, and psychological features are associated with changes in self-reported pain, physical performance measures, self-reported function, HRQOL, and physical activity level. DiscussionPhysical and non-physical features have been previously associated with PFP. However, the present study will be the first to investigate their integrated evolution as part of the natural history of PFP and its progression. In doing so, we will be able to determine their behavior in the long-term, as well as how they prospectively associate with each other and with clinical outcomes. Ultimately, this will provide a greater understanding of predictors of long-term outcome and possible targets for interventions. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/12703-0 - Level of physical activity of individuals with patellofemoral pain and their associations with biomechanical, clinical and psychological parameters: a prospective study
• Grantee: Carmen Lucia Gomes Garcia
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 22/10236-0 - Influence of weight or body composition on the clinical, biomechanical and muscular condition of individuals with patellofemoral pain: A prospective study
• Grantee: Ana Flavia Balotari Botta
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Technical Training Program - Technical Training
• FAPESP's process: 22/10069-7 - Influence of body weight on clinical, mechanical and muscular condition decomposition of patellofemoral biocomposition: A prospective study.
• Grantee: Lucca Andre Liporoni Bego Farinelli
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Technical Training Program - Technical Training
• FAPESP's process: 20/14715-5 - Influence of body weight or composition on clinical, biomechanical and muscular condition of individuals with patellofemoral pain: a prospective study
• Grantee: Fábio Mícolis de Azevedo
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/12257-0 - A comparison between individuals with bilateral and unilateral patellofemoral pain symptoms: Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of pain, function, quality of life and biomechanical features
• Grantee: Marina Cabral Waiteman
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate