Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of
the Hospital Center of Base Queen Astrid, Brussels, Belgium | [b] Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and
Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Nathalie Duvigneaud, Department of
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hospital Center of Base Queen Astrid,
Bruynstraat 2, 1120 Brussels, Belgium. Tel.: +32 (0)2 264 47 28; Fax: +32 (0)2
264 47 23; E-mail: nathalie.duvigneaud@mil.be
Abstract: Objective: To investigate prospectively the influence of muscular
parameters on the development of the patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) in
women during a basic military training. Methods: Before the military training, 62 healthy female
recruits, aged 18–34 years, without a history of PFPS, underwent an isokinetic
test (concentric contractions of knee flexors and extensors at 60°/s and
240°/s, eccentric contractions at 30°/s). They also completed a
questionnaire and performed a single-leg horizontal hop test. After basic
military training, they underwent a clinical evaluation to assess PFPS.
Independent t-tests and chi-square tests were used to evaluate whether any
significant difference existed prior to the development of PFPS between females
with and without PFPS. Results: The incidence of PFPS was 42%. Significantly lower
peak torque of the extensors at 60°/s and 240°/s were observed in
females with PFPS compared to the control group. The relative peak extensor
torque per body weight and BMI, the ratio peak torque flexors/extensors and the
sports participation were also significantly lower in the PFPS group. Conclusions: Decreased quadriceps strength and insufficient
sports participations seem to be risk factors for the development of PFPS.
Consequently, strengthening of quadriceps seems an important parameter in the
treatment and prevention of PFPS.
Keywords: Isokinetic, strength, anterior knee pain, female, military
