Comparison of core stability muscles performance between females with patellofemoral pain syndrome and healthy females

  Despite an important role of core muscles in proximal stability during dynamic activity, our knowledge about the function of core stabilizers in people with patellofemoral pain syndrome )PFPS( is quite limited. In this study, the endurance and function of the core muscles in females with PFPS compared to healthy females. Participants in this study were 20 females with diagnosis of PFPS, and 20 healthy females matched for age, weight, height, and activity level. Endurance of the back extensors, the lateral flexors and function of abdominal muscles were tested using the Sorensen, the side bridge and the straight leg lowering tests, respectively. Statistics Independent T-test was used for comparison between two groups. The endurance of back extensors (p=0.003), left lateral flexors (p=0.005) and function of abdominal muscles (p=0.022) in the PFPS group were significantly lower than the healthy group. Based on the study's findings, reduced lower trunk endurance might be a contributing factor to PFPS in females.
Key words: knee injury, lower trunk, patellofemoral pain syndrome.