Lower Extremity Kinematics in Runners with Patellofemoral Pain during a Prolonged Run

Abstract

The PFP group as a whole displayed less overall motion compared with controls. This may be indicative of a strategy aimed at limiting lower extremity movement to reduce pain. However, increases in joint motion occurred at the end of the run where pain levels were greatest. Three distinct PFP subgroups were noted, and each demonstrated unique kinematic mechanisms that may be associated with PFP. In the knee valgus subgroup, increased knee valgus and decreased peak motions were noted in other joints. In the hip abduction subgroup, less knee flexion and motion overall was noted. In the subgroup that displayed typical first half patterns (knee and hip adduction), increased hip internal rotation and decreased knee internal rotation were observed. These results suggest that several different kinematic mechanisms related to PFP may exist.