Document Type : RESEARCH PAPER
Authors
1
Department of Physiotherapy, Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Poursina Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
2
Orthopaedic Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Poursina Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
3
Orthopaedic Research Center, Trauma Institute, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
10.22038/abjs.2024.80937.3692
Abstract
Objectives: To compare the thickness and function of the quadriceps muscle in subjects with and without
patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) by ultrasonography.
Methods: Patients diagnosed with PFPS were included in the study. To measure the thickness of the rectus femoris
(RF), vastus medialis longus and oblique (VML, VMO), vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus intermedius (VI), the
ultrasonography was employed in rest and normal contraction modes and also the % rest-thickness normal as
muscle function. For between-groups comparisons, the independent sample t-test was utilized.
Results: Sixty subjects (30 PFPS and 30 healthy) participated in this study. There were no significant differences
between two groups with respect to demographic characteristics. No significant differences were observed between
two groups regarding RF (P=0.07), VMO (P=0.38), VL (P=0.40) and VI (P=0.55) at rest. However, the rest thickness
of VML (P=0.01) was significant between PFPS and healthy groups. No significant differences were found between
two groups regarding RF (P=0.14), VML (P=0.68), VMO (P=0.11), VL (P=0.65), and VI (P=0.07) in contraction state.
However, % rest-thickness normal were significant between groups for VML (P=0.03) and VMO (P=0.02) and were
not significant for RF (P=0.56), VL (P=0.14) and VI (P=0.08).
Conclusion: In all parts of the quadriceps, % rest-thickness normal, as an indicator of its function, have been
decreased in patients with PFPS. In patients with PFPF, ultrasonography should be cautiously used for muscle
thickness comparisons.
Level of evidence: II
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