Pain and disability were related to Y-balance test but not with proprioception acuity and single-leg triple-hop test in patients with patellofemoral pain: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Patellofemoral pain is a common complaint between physically active subjects. Patients with patellofemoral pain present limitations to performing daily activities. Pain could alter proprioceptive acuity and lead to movement impairment. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of pain and disability with proprioception acuity and physical performance in patients with patellofemoral pain.

Methods: Forty-eight patients with patellofemoral pain [age 31.15 (5.91) years; 30 (62.50%) males] were recruited. Data collected included pain intensity, pain duration, disability, joint position sense (JPS) test at 20° and 60° of knee flexion, and physical performance tests (Single-Leg Triple-Hop Test and Y- Balance Test). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (r_s) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed to assess the relationship between the variables.

Results: Pain intensity was correlated with Y-Balance Test posteromedial component (r_s = -0.32, 95%CI = -0.55 to -0.03, p = 0.029) and the composite score (r_s = -0.35, 95%CI = -0.58, -0.07, p = 0.015). Pain duration was correlated with Y-Balance Test posterolateral component (r_s = -0.23, 95% CI = -0.53 to -0.01, p = 0.047). Disability was correlated with Y-Balance Test posteromedial component (r_s = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.14 to 0.62, p = 0.004). Pain and disability were not correlated with JPS and the Single-Leg Triple-Hop Test.

Conclusion: Pain and disability were related to Y-Balance Test but not to proprioceptive acuity and Single-Leg Triple-Hop Test in patients with patellofemoral pain.

Keywords: Anterior knee pain; Hop test; Motion perception; Physical functional performance.