HIP AND LUMBO-PELVIC STRENGTH IN SUBJECTS WITH PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Abstract

The aim of this work was to: (i) review the current state of art about the strength of hip and lumbo-pelvic muscles in patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), (ii) examine and (iii) establish considerations of the findings of the studies. Several databases were searched from 1980 to 2009 containing keywords related to PFPS and strength of Core muscles. After application of inclusion/exclusion criteria, 12 studies were selected in the literature search. The results suggest that most part of the studies found indicated that PFPS group showed a decreased ability to generate force, mainly by hip abductors, extensors and external rotators and trunk lateral flexors. These results point to a demand for training of these muscles during rehabilitation. None of these studies demonstrated a causal relationship between strength and appearance of PFPS.