Functional and EMG responses to a physical therapy treatment in patellofemoral syndrome patients

• Published in: Journal of electromyography and kinesiology Vol. 16; no. 2; pp. 167 - 174
• Main Authors: de C.N. Sacco, Isabel, Konno, Gil Kiyoshi, Rojas, Guilherme Benetti, Arnone, Antonio Carlos, de Campos Pássaro, Anice, Marques, Amélia Pasqual, Cabral, Cristina Maria Nunes
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2006
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Biomechanical Phenomena; Biomechanics; Case-Control Studies; Climbing stairs; Electromyography; Female; Humans; Male; Muscle, Skeletal - physiopathology; Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome - physiopathology; Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome - rehabilitation; Patellofemoral syndrome; Physical therapy; Physical Therapy Modalities; Walking - physiology; Biomechanics; Patellofemoral syndrome; Electromyography; Climbing stairs; Physical therapy
• ISSN: 1050-6411; 1873-5711
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2004.06.010

There are several pathologies related to the patellofemoral joint, in which the patellofemoral syndrome is one of the most common and challenging to treat. The patellofemoral syndrome results from a malalignment of the knee extensor mechanism. The purpose of our study was to describe and compare EMG responses of the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis muscles while walking up and down stairs and other clinical and functional responses in PFS subjects before and after a physical therapy intervention. Eleven subjects were studied and divided in two groups: six subjects with clinically diagnosed patellofemoral syndrome and five healthy control subjects. Subjects were evaluated by a functional and biomechanical evaluation protocol: postural evaluation, pain and knee function evaluation, and electromyographic activity of vastus medialis and lateralis muscles while walking up and down a staircase. Results showed higher efficiency of the vastus medialis muscle in carrying out eccentric exercises and increased muscle activity in both the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis muscles while climbing stairs after physical therapy treatment. We were able to identify an improvement in postural alignment of lower limb muscles and knee functionality among patellofemoral syndrome group subjects after treatment.