Reliability testing of the patellofemoral joint reaction force (PFJRF) measurement in taped and untaped patellofemoral conditions during single leg squatting: A pilot study

SummaryIntroductionMeasuring patellofemoral joint reaction forces (PFJRF) may provide reliable evidence for patellar taping to correct probable malalignment in subjects with anterior knee pain, or patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). The aim of the present study was to examine the reliability of PFJRF measurements in different patellofemoral conditions during squatting in healthy subjects.MethodsUsing a motion analysis system and one forceplate, PFJRF of eight healthy subjects was assessed during single leg squatting. Data was collected from superficial markers taped to selected landmarks. This procedure was performed on the right knees, before (BT), during (WT) and shortly after patellar taping (SAT). The PFJRF was calculated using a biomechanical model of the patellofemoral joint.ResultsThe results revealed that, there were no significant differences between the PFJRF mean values for three conditions of BT (2100.55 ± 455.25), WT (2026.20 ± 516.45) and SAT (2055.35 ± 669.30) (p > 0.05). The CV (coefficient of variation), ICC (intra class correlation coefficient), LSD (least significant difference) and SEM (standard error of measurement) values revealed the high reliability of PFJRF measurements during single leg squatting (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe high reliability of PFJRF measurements reveals that the future studies could rely on these measurements during single leg squatting.