Affiliations: [a] School of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Turgut Özal University, Ankara, Turkey | [b] Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Güven Hospital, Ankara, Turkey | [c] Ulusoy plaza (Hekim Center), Ankara, Turkey
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Postural control allows performance of daily and sports
activities. The previous studies show that postural sway inceases in
orthopaedic injuries such as osteoarthritis and total knee arthroplasty. OBJECTIVE: To compare postural sway, risk of falling and function
between individuals with and without patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFS). METHODS: This study included 22 subjects with patellofemoral pain
syndrome, age-matched pain-free 22 females serving as a control group.
Visual anolog scale and Kujala were used to evaluate the pain.
Posturographic assesment was performed by Tetrax posturographic device.
Biering Modified Sorenson test for extensor endurance and sit-up test for
flexor endurance were used for the evaluation of trunk endurance. Timed
get-up and go test was used for lower extremity function. The Student's t
Test was used to compare variables between the groups. The Pearson
correlation coefficients were calculated to examine correlation between the
quantitative variables. RESULTS: Postural sway included eyes open without pillow, eyes open
on pillow, eyes closed on pillow, risk of falling, function and postural
stabilization included flexor endurance, extansor endurance are impared in
patient with patellofemoral pain syndrome when compare to controls. In
subjects with PFPS increased postural sway significantly associated with
body mass index (r= 0.52), pain duration (r= 0.43), postural control (extansor
endurance) (r= -0.50) and risk of falling (r= 0.62) on pillow with open eyes.
In addition we found function significantly related with postural control
(extansor endurance and flexor endurance) (r= -0.59 and r= -0.59) and risk of
falling (r= 0.77) CONCLUSIONS: Decreased neuromuscular control of the trunk core and
increased postural sway and falling risk were found in patients with PFPS.
Patients may be evaluated for deficits in postural control and falling risk
before treatment.
Keywords: Patellofemoral pain syndrome, postural sway, postural control, falling, function
