Correlation between frontal plane projection angle and pain, dynamic balance and function in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Introduction: A high percentage of middle-aged adults are affected by patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), a common musculoskeletal condition.Purpose: The primary goal is to determine whether there is a correlation between knee frontal plane projection angle (FPPA) and dynamic balance, knee function, and pain in PFPS patients. A secondary purpose was to examine the differences in FPPA and dynamic balance between PFPS patients and healthy people.Methods: 25 patients with unilateral PFPS and 25 Healthy volunteers from both genders were recruited. Assessment of FPPA using 2D video analysis system, and dynamic balance using star excursion test were carried out for participants in both groups for comparison. In addition, knee function by anterior knee pain scale and pain by visual analogue scale which were assessed in PFPS group only for correlation with FPPA.Results: There was no significant correlation between FPPA during the single limb squat test and the dynamic balance, pain, and Knee function in PFPS patients. There was a significant difference in FPPA and dynamic balance between groups (p <.001*). Conclusion: The current study strengthened the presence of significant differences between healthy subjects and patients with PFPS in all assessed outcomes. The PFPS patients displayed larger FPPA, lower star excursion balance test reach distances and anterior knee pain scale score and increased pain severity. However, no correlations had been found between FPPA during the SLS test and the dynamic balance, pain and knee function in PFPS patients.