Effects of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome on Changes in Dynamic Postural Stability during Landing in Adult Women

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effects of lower limb movements on dynamic postural stability (DPS) during drop landing in adult women with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). METHODS: Thirty-eight adult women were recruited and divided into two groups, the PFPS group and the control group. The study participants performed a single-leg drop landing from a 30 cm box, and their lower limb movements and DPS were measured. Differences between groups were examined using independent sample t-tests. In addition, stepwise multiple linear regression was used to examine the kinematic parameters that contribute to the DPS. RESULTS: The PFPS group had significantly lower hip flexion, internal rotation, knee flexion, ankle external rotation, pelvic oblique, tilt, rotation, and higher hip abduction, knee valgus, and ankle plantarflexion. In terms of DPS, the PFPS group had a significantly higher anteroposterior and a lower mediolateral than that of the control group. In the control group, regression analysis revealed a controlled anteroposterior using knee flexion, while the PFPS group controlled mediolateral through ankle plantarflexion. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PFPS experienced more shock on their knee joint during landing than patients in the control group with greater anteroposterior instability and lower mediolateral instability.