@article{article_190368, title={Assessment of muscle strength and soft tissue tightness
in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome}, journal={Acta Orthopaedica et Traumatologica Turcica}, volume={34}, pages={23–27}, year={2006}, DOI={10.3944/aott.v34i1.1764}, author={Akarcali, Inci and Tugay, Nazan and Erden, Zafer and Atay, Ahmet and Doral, Mahmut and Leblebicioglu, Gursel}, keywords={biomechanics;knee joint/physiopathology;femur;patella/injuries;muscles/physiopathology;knee injuries/diagnosis;joint diseases/rehabilitation;pain/physiopathology/therapy/ rehabilitation;physical therapy/methods}, abstract={Objectives: To investigate soft tissue tightness, muscle strength and activities giving rise to pain in patients with patellofemoral pain.
Methods: Tightness of the iliotibial band, hamstring, rectus femoris and gastro-soleus was tested in 172 knees of 142 patients (82 females, 60 males; mean age 35.52±9.84 years; range 15-45 years) . The strength of the quadriceps and hamstring was tested using the Lowett’s method. Severity of pain was evaluated using visual analogue scale. Activities provoking pain were investigated and the correlation between intensity and duration of pain and muscle strength was evaluated. Statistical analysis were made using Student’ t-test and the Pearson correlation coefficient.
Results: Muscle tightness documented in 172 knees was located in the hamstring (73.8%), iliotibial band (47.6%), rectus femoris (26.7%) and gastro-soleus (13.9%) muscles. Compared with asymptomatic contralateral knees, significant weakness was found in the quadriceps and hamstring muscles (p <0.05). The major pain provoking activity was squatting in 61.2%. A positive correlation was found between intensity and duration of pain (p <0.05).
Conclusion: The results showed a high incidence of soft tissue tightness and muscle weakness in patients with patellofemoral pain. These data may be instrumental in designing rehabilitation programs for these patients.}, number={1}, publisher={Turkish Association of Orthopaedics and Traumatology}