OBJECTIVE: To analyze and to identify possible gait adaptations by individuals with objective patellofemoral instability when climbing up/down stairs. METHODS: A control group (group A) composed by nine women with mean age = 25 years (±1.87), height = 1.62 m (±0.05) and weight = 56.20 kg (±7.34), and; nine women with objective patellofemoral instability (group B) with mean age = 24 years (±6.02), height = 1.62 m (±0.06) and weight = 60.33 kg (±10.31) were analyzed. The groups underwent kinematic analysis while climbing up/down stairs, in a previously determined area. Images were obtained by six cameras (Qualysis) and data analysis utilized the Q gait software program. RESULTS: Group B presented, in the support phase, less knee flexion when climbing up (p = 0.0268), and lower speed (p = 0.0076/ p =0.0243) and pace (p = 0.0027/ p = 0.0165) when climbing up and down stairs, respectively. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that group B used functional changes such as reduced knee flexion, speed and pace when climbing up and down stairs.
Knee; Joint instability; Biomechanics
