Effects of Tissue Properties of the Superficial Anterior Myofascial Chain on the Development of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

The aim of the study is to evaluate the myofascial chain lines in addition to the general evaluation parameters in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and to determine whether deviations from normal in the myofascial structure have an effect on the development of PFPS.

There will be two groups in this study. One of the groups will consist of 28 patients aged between 25-50 years. The other group will consist of 28 healthy individuals between the ages of 25-50 years. Postural problems that can be seen in the superficial anterior myofascial chain line will be evaluated. These problems: forward head, q-angle, genu varum, genu valgum, foot postural problems (pes planus, pes kavus vb.) and pelvic tilt. In addition to all these assessments, knee pain and the biomechanical properties of the anterior myofascial tissue will be evaluated.

Although many factors such as lower extremity malalignment, quadriceps muscle weakness, hamstring, gastrocnemius, tensor fascia latae muscle shortness, iliotibial band tension, lower extremity malalignment have been shown to be effective in the development of PFPS, it has been reported in recent studies that these factors which cause patellofemoral pain syndrome may also be related to fascia. The aim of the study is to evaluate the myofascial chain lines in addition to the general evaluation parameters in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and to determine whether deviations from normal in the myofascial structure have an effect on the development of PFPS. It was stated that the fascial chain containing the PFPS-related regions is the Superficial Anterior Chain, and this chain starts from the toe extensors and ends at the masteoid process.

There will be two groups in this study. One group of this study will include 28 individuals aged 25-50, diagnosed with PFPS, with pain in the retropatellar region for at least 6 months and non-traumatic. The other group of this study will include 28 healthy individuals between the ages of 25-50 and without any orthopedic (Anterior cruciate ligament rupture, Meniscal tears etc.), neurological (Multipl sclerosis, Stroke etc) and rheumatological disorders (Rheumatoid arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis etc.).

Postural problems that can be seen in the superficial anterior myofascial chain line will be evaluated. These problems: forward head, q-angle, genu varum, genu valgum, foot postural problems (pes planus, pes kavus vb.) and pelvic tilt. In addition to all these assessments, knee pain and the biomechanical properties of the anterior myofascial tissue will be evaluated.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with Patellofemoral pain syndrome,
* Volunteers between the ages of 25-50,
* Having pain in the retropatellar region for at least 6 months that is not a result of trauma,
* Not having received medical treatment and/or physiotherapy for PFPS in the last 6 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having history of lower extremity, pelvis and spine surgery/fracture in the last 6 months,
* Having orthopedic (Anterior cruciate ligament rupture, Meniscal tears, etc), neurological (Multiple sclerosis, paralysis-paralysis, etc.) and/or rheumatological (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondolitis, etc.) problems,
* Pregnancy ,
* Having a history of connective tissue disease,
* Using sedatives and/or muscle relaxants that may alter muscle tone.