Effect of the Infrapatellar Strap and Elastic Band Iin Athletes With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PPS) is common in athletes, especially when performing jumps. To reduce pain and improve functionality, orthoses such as the infrapatellar strip (IPS) and functional bandage (FB) are indicated, but their effects are controversial. The objective is to evaluate the effect of IPS and FB on lower limb pain, agility, balance and strength in athletes with PPS. Will be evaluated 25 athletes with PPS (10 women and 15 men), who will answer the sample characterization questionnaires, pain scale and performed the Side Hope Test (SHT), modified star excursion balance test (SEBTm) and Sit to Stand 30 in seconds (STS30 ") to analyze lower limb agility, balance and strength, respectively. Three repetitions of each functional test will be performed, with an interval of one minute between repetitions and tests. Still, the tests will be developed with IPS, with FB and without any orthosis, with previously randomized sequence. Expected to establish the effects of IPS and FB for athletes with PPS.

The research was approved by the ethics committee of the institution. The sample size was calculated in 18 athletes, but when considering losses 25 athletes (10 women and 15 men) were recruited.

Athletes will be over 18 years old, from different sports or teams, with a minimum of six hours / week of training / competition, with complaints of anterior knee pain (DAJ) greater than 3 on the visual analog scale (VAS), rating lower than or equal to 82 (tendency to patellofemoral disorder) in the Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS) and score lower than or equal to 83 (fair or poor) on the Lysholm questionnaire. Exclusion criteria will be the history of other lower limb injuries or surgery; diabetes or altered sensitivity in the plantar region; medication and physical therapy use in the last three months.

For data collection athletes will answer the sample characterization questionnaires, AKPS and Lysholm.

Modified star excursion balance test (SEBTm), Side Hope test (SHT) and 30 second sit-up test (SL30 '') will be applied, at random and with prior familiarization, for the analysis of dynamic balance, agility and lower limb strength, respectively.

It will also be randomized the tests with Infrapatellar Strap, Elastic Bandage and without orthosis (control), developed in three different days with 96 hours interval. To apply the infrapatellar strap and elastic bandage, the athlete was positioned standing with slight knee flexion, with heel support on a pre-established surface (relaxed patellar tendon). The Infrapatellar Strap and Elastic Bandage will be positioned over the patellar tendon, with moderate pressure, on the lower limb complaining of pain.

The tests: SEBTm test, Side Hope test (SHT), and 30-second sit-up (STS 30 '') will be repeated three times, with a one-minute interval between trials and five minutes between tests. At the beginning and end of each test, the analogue visual pain scale (VAS) for knee pain will be applied.

Statistical data will be analyzed using the Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS®) program, version 22 and a significance level of 5% (p \<0.05). ANOVA two way test will be used to compare groups, times and their interaction.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Athletes will be over 18 years old,
* From different sports or teams,
* With a minimum of six hours / week of training / competition,
* With complaints of anterior knee pain (DAJ) greater than 3 on the visual analog scale (VAS)
* Rating lower than or equal to 82 (tendency to patellofemoral disorder) in the Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS)
* Score lower than or equal to 83 (fair or poor) on the Lysholm questionnaire.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of other lower limb injuries or surgery,
* Diabetes,
* Altered sensitivity in the plantar region,
* Medication to pain,
* Physical therapy use in the last three months.