Comparison of hip abductors' strength and 2D frontal plane projection angle during two functional tests, in females with and without patellofemoral pain.

Introduction: Hip abductors eccentrically maintain leg alignment during weight-bearing exercises. Hip abductors' weakness may be a significant aspect to take into account in the conservative management of Patellofemoral Pain (PFP). The aim of the study was to compare hip abductors' eccentric strength and hip kinematics during two functional tests, in female subjects with PFP.

Method: In a cross-sectional study using convenience sampling, isokinetic Isokinetic unilateral eccentric hip abductors' mean peak moment (MPM) at 60°/sec and Frontal Plane Projection Angle (FPPA) during Single-Leg Squat (SLS) and Single-Leg Landing (SLL) tests, were assessed in 17 asymptomatic individuals and 19 PFP patients.

Results: The FPPA during SLL (p = 0.771) and SLS (p = 0.587), as well as the isokinetic values of the eccentric adductors' MPM at 60°/sec (p = 0.769), did not differ between the groups. The isokinetic values and the SLL (r = -0.009 to p = 0.970) and SLS (r = -0.002 to p = 0.993) in the PFP group and the control group (SLS r = 0.160 to p = 0.540) did not show any statistically significant relationships.

Conclusion: PFP and asymmetry in hip abduction strength are not substantially correlated. It is necessary to conduct more research to comprehend how these impairments interact and to find out if there are patient subgroups with PFP.