title: A clinical study of the biomechanics of step descent using different treatment modalities for patellofemoral pain.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In the previous study we have demonstrated that in healthy subjects significant changes in coronal and transverse plane mechanics can be produced by the application of a neutral patella taping technique and a patellar brace. Recently it has also been identified that patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) display alterations in gait in the coronal and transverse planes.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study investigated the effect of patellar bracing and taping on the three-dimensional mechanics of the knee of patellofemoral pain patients during a step descent task.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirteen patients diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome performed a slow step descent. This was conducted under three randomized conditions: (a) no intervention, (b) neutral patella taping, (c) patellofemoral bracing. A 20cm step was constructed to accommodate an AMTI force platform. Kinematic data were collected using a ten camera infra-red Oqus motion analysis system. Reflective markers were placed on the foot, shank and thigh using the Calibrated Anatomical System Technique (CAST).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The coronal plane knee range of motion was significantly reduced with taping (P=0.031) and bracing (P=0.005). The transverse plane showed a significant reduction in the knee range of motion with the brace compared to taping (P=0.032) and no treatment (P=0.046).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients suffering from patellofemoral pain syndrome demonstrated improved coronal plane and torsional control of the knee during slow step descent following the application of bracing and taping. This study further reinforces the view that coronal and transverse plane mechanics should not be overlooked when studying patellofemoral pain.
authors.affiliation: School of Sport, Tourism and The Outdoors, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK. jselfe1@uclan.ac.uk
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Selfe
authors.forename: Dominic
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Thewlis
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Whitaker
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sutton
authors.forename: Jim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Richards
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001915:Braces; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D046788:Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016896:Treatment Outcome