Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Modifies the Movement of the Rearfoot, but It Does Not Alter Plantar Pressure Distribution^*

Abstract

Objective

To compare the plantar pressure distribution and the kinematics of the rearfoot on the stance phase of subjects with or without patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

Methods

A total of 26 subjects with PFPS and 31 clinically healthy subjects, who were paired regarding age, height and mass, participated in the study. The plantar pressure distribution (peak pressure) was assessed in six plantar regions, as well as the kinematics of the rearfoot (maximum eversion angle, percentage of the stance phase when the maximum angle was reached, and percentage of the stance phase in which the rearfoot was in eversion). The data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics, with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05.

Results

The pressure on the six plantar regions analyzed and the magnitude of the maximum eversion angle of the rearfoot when walking on flat surfaces did not present differences among the subjects with PFPS. However, the PFPS subjects showed, when walking, an earlier maximum eversion angle of the rearfoot than the subjects on the control group, and stayed less time with the rearfoot in eversion.

Conclusion

The PFPS seems to be related to modifications on the temporal pattern on the kinematics of the rearfoot.

Keywords
patellofemoral pain syndrome; biomechanical phenomena; knee; gait