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Q angle and subtalar pronation are not good predictors for pain and function in subjects with patellofemoral pain syndrome

The aim of this study was to evaluate the capability of Q angle and subtalar pronation clinical tests in predict pain and functional limitations reported by individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). 31 individuals with PFPS were recruited for this study. The Anterior Knee Pain Scale questionnaire was applied to identify the functional limitations and the Visual Analogue Scale was used to identify the pain referred during the last month. Two clinical tests were performed in order to obtain the Q angle and subtalar pronation measurements. The values ​​of the tests were entered in a multiple and linear regression models to obtain the R2 and the regression coefficients for non-continuous standardized measures, with a statistical significance set at α=0.05. Both tests, when entered separately into the linear regression models achieved low values of pain and function prediction. On the other hand, when placed together in a multiple regression model, the tests explained 9% and 4% of the pain and functional limitations of the individuals with PFPS, respectively. Although there was an improvement in the pain and function limitation prediction when the tests were analyzed together, our findings showed that both measurement, Q angle and subtalar pronation, are not good predictors of pain and functional limitations of individuals with PFPS.

Linear Models; Knee; Patella; Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome


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