Knee flexor strength and rate of torque development deficits in women with patellofemoral pain are related to poor objective function

Background: Deficits in knee flexor strength and rate of torque development (RTD) might be present in women with patellofemoral pain (PFP). In addition, maximal strength and RTD of the knee flexors and extensors might be related with subjective and objective function in women with PFP. However, both conjectures are still poorly understood. Research question: Do women with PFP have deficits in the maximal strength and RTD of the knee flexors and extensors during isometric, concentric, and eccentric contractions? Is there a relationship between maximal strength and RTD of the knee flexors and extensors with subjective and objective function in women with PFP? Methods: Fifty-six women with, and 46 women without, PFP participated. Maximal strength and RTD (to 30% and 60% maximal torque) during isometric, concentric, and eccentric contractions of the knee flexors and extensors were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Objective assessment included single leg hop test (SLHT) and forward step-down test (FSDT). Subjective assessment involved the anterior knee pain scale. Results: Women with PFP had small to large deficits in maximal strength and RTD of the knee flexors and extensors during isometric, concentric and eccentric contractions (Effect sizes: -0.43 to -1.10; p <= 0.016). Small to moderate correlations of maximal concentric and eccentric knee flexor strength and RTD with SLHT and FSDT (r = 0.28 to 0.41; p <= 0.037) were identified. Subjective or objective function were not correlated with maximal isometric knee flexor strength and RTD, or any knee extensor measures (p > 0.05). Significance: Maximal strength and RTD deficits of the knee flexors and extensors were identified in this female PFP cohort, but they were unrelated to subjective function. The relationship of concentric and eccentric knee flexor strength and RTD deficits with poor objective function should be considered in future exercise trials for women with PFP.

Automated summary

Women with patellofemoral pain (PFP) exhibit deficits in maximal strength and rate of torque development (RTD) of knee flexors and extensors during isometric, concentric, and eccentric contractions, but these deficits are not correlated with subjective function. Small to moderate correlations are found between maximal concentric and eccentric knee flexor strength and RTD with objective function measures such as single leg hop test and forward step-down test.