The Comparison of Iliotibial Band Length and Q Angle in Athletes with and without Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Authors

Abstract

Patellofemoral pain syndrome accounts for 25%-40% of all knee problems
observed in sport medical centers. The purpose of this study was to compare
muscle flexibility of lower extremity in athletes with and without patellofemoral
pain syndrome. Subject included 30 athletes: 15 female athletes with
patellofemoral pain (age 24.20±4.11 years, mass 58.86±1.20 kg, height
165.59±7.43 cm) and 15 female healthy athletes (age 24.01±3.10 years, mass
59.21±1.09 kg, height 165.90±6.80 cm). The length of hamstring, gastrocnemius
and soleus muscles was measured by an electrogoniometer; Q angle and iliotibial
band length were measured by a universal goniometer. Data were analyzed by
independent t test. The results showed that Q angle significantly increased and
length of the iliotibial band decreased in athletes with patellofemoral pain
compared to healthy control subjects. It is suggested that these variables are
assessed more deeply and training programs are recommended by coaches and
sport physicians

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