Quadriceps Muscle Contractile Properties and Functional Performance
Condition: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
MeSH terms: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome; Syndrome
Study type: Observational

Summary: 
      The aim of this study is to investigate the association between tensiomyography parameters
      (from rectus femoris, vastus lateralis and vastus medialis) and functional abilities in
      runners with patellofemoral pain syndrome.
    

Detailed description: 
      Running is one of the most widespread activities during which overuse injuries of the lower
      extremity occur. Long-distance running is very popular among participants of recreational
      sports . In 2008, about 11.5% of the population in the United States ran and, of this group,
      3.4% ran on average two times a week or more. In Europe, it is estimated that 36% of the
      population aged 15-65 years are recreational runners.

      Most running-related injuries occur in the lower extremities. The most common anatomical site
      of running injuries is the knee.

      Risk factors for running injuries have been well investigated , However, because of the
      heterogeneity of the studies (e.g., definition of injury, recreational or elite runners, and
      short- or long-distance runners), no clear overview is available regarding the most important
      risk factors for running injuries. Increased training volume per week in male runners, and a
      history of previous injuries for runners, are known significant risk factors for running
      injuries.

      The various purported risk factors for running injuries are commonly divided into intrinsic
      and extrinsic risk factors. Intrinsic risk factors include mostly anatomic and other
      variables that are innate to the individual, such as gender, age, height, weight, personality
      type (e.g., aggressive, passive), and anatomic factors such as femoral anteversion, genu
      varus or valgus, pes planus or cavus, bone density, muscular flexibility, and leg-length
      discrepancies. Extrinsic risk factors include training variables such as mileage, hill
      running, pace, interval training, equipment (shoes, shoe inserts), and training surfaces.

      Patellofemoral pain syndrome is the most common overuse injury of the lower extremity, and is
      particularly prevalent in those who are physically active. For example, approximately 2.5
      million runners will be diagnosed with PFPS in a given year. PFPS also is a significant
      problem in the military as it has been reported that 37% of recruits develop PFPS while in
      basic combat training. Females are reported to be at greater risks for PFPS than their male
      counterparts. Alarmingly, 70% to 90% of individuals with PFPS have recurrent or chronic pain,
      In addition, the result of a recent study suggest that having PFPS as a younger individual
      may predispose one to develop patellofemoral osteoarthritis later in life.

      One of the most common risk factors of patellofemoral pain syndrome is the imbalance of the
      quadriceps musculature and maltracking of the patella are 2 potential factors that may lead
      to PFP.

      The nature of PFP is multifactorial, and many risk factors have been associated with this
      condition. This come in agreement with several authors who reported that patellofemoral pain
      syndrome is one of the most common injuries in runners.
    

Intervention name(s): Tensiomayography (TMG)
Intervention type(s): Device
Intervention description(s): Quadriceps muscle contractile properties will be assessed using tensiomayography
Observational model: Other
Time perspective: Cross-Sectional
Sampling method: Non-Probability Sample
Study population: 
        30 Distance runners selected from Egyptian clubs will participate in the study.
      
Keywords: Runners