Contribution of components of the quadriceps femoris muscle for producing external torque in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Introduction: Different muscular activities of the quadriceps components for producing necessary torque may change in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). The aim of the current study, therefore, was to assess the contribution of each component of the quadriceps femoris muscle for producing external torque in patients with PFPS. Method: Twelve females with PFPS (24.7 +/- 2.3 years) and twelve healthy matched females (25.4 +/- 2.4 years) performed three consecutive knee flexion and extension movements with maximum effort at 45 degrees/s and 300 degrees/s using a Biodex system 3 dynamometer. Simultaneously, electromyographic (EMG) activities of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO), RF (rectus femoris) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles were recorded using a DataLog instrument. Standard multiple regressions were used to assess the ability of EMG activities of the VMO, RF and VL muscles to predict normalized quadriceps femoris isokinetic concentric and eccentric torques at 45 degrees/s and 300 degrees/s in the normal and patient groups. Results: In the normal group, the VL and the VMO were the good predictors of quadriceps concentric torque at 45 degrees/s and 300 degrees/s, respectively. The VL and the RF were the good predictors of quadriceps eccentric torque at 300 degrees/s in the patient group. No other conditions showed a considerable prediction for quadriceps torque in the normal or patient group. Conclusion: Females with PFPS differ with normal females in terms of the contribution of each component of the quadriceps femoris for producing external torque. Training the VMO for concentric contraction at both high and low velocities should be included in the management of the patients with PFPS. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.