Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003. / The purpose of the investigation was to evaluate the presence and extent of Quadriceps Femoris weakness in subjects with patellofemoral pain syndrome by the use of an isokinetic dynamometer. / M

Thesis (M.S.)--Boise State University, 2009. / Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 32-36).

Thesis (M.S.)--Boise State University, 2009. / Title from t.p. of PDF file (viewed May 5, 2010). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 32-36).

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)- Dept. of Chiropractic,Durban Institute of Technology, 2005 xx, 116 leaves ; 30 cm / Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a common knee problem that affects 25% of the general population. PFPS generally affects adolescents, especially females, young adults and sports men and women. PFPS is defined as anterior knee pain arising from dysfunction of the patellofemoral articulation including its connective and contractile tissues. Literature suggests an extensor mechanism dysfunction as the most probable etiology. The majority of literature suggests that PFPS is associated with restricted patella motion, especially medial glide, resulting from a tight lateral retinaculum and/or tight iliotibial band. The beneficial effect of patella mobilization in the management of PFPS, suggested by the results of a number of studies, further suggests that restricted patella motion may be an integral feature of PFPS, as a causative and/or perpetuating factor. The purpose of this study was to assess the associations between the severity of PFPS (in terms of the objective and subjective clinical measures) and patella mobility (direction of mobility loss and degree of motion loss).

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003. / The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of Myofascial Trigger Points of the quadriceps femoris muscle in the clinical presentation of Patellofemoral Pain syndrome. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome according to current literature suggests an extensor mechanism dysfunction as the most probable etiology, however this syndrome has posed many unsolved mysteries and challenges to the medical community and remains a difficult condition to treat. Myofascial pain syndrome in contrast to this is a regional muscular disorder that results from myofascial trigger points within the muscle. The presence of these trigger points could result in anterior knee pain, imbalance of the extensor mechanism and instability of the patellofemoral joint, which could present as a Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. / M

A dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic at Technikon Natal, 1999. / The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of patella mobilization in patients suffering from patellofemoral pain syndrome, This was a prospective, randomized, placebo controlled, pilot study, Group A received patella mobilization, while Group B, the placebo group, received detuned ultrasound, The study involved 30 subjects, 15 in each group selected from the general population, Each subject was treated eight times within a four week period, however if they became asymptomatic prior to their eighth treatment the subjective and objective data normally collected on the eighth treatment was collected on their last consultation, patients were required to return for a one month follow-up from the date of their last consultation, Each subject was assessed by means of the short-form Mc Gill Pain Questionnaire, Numerical Pain Questionnaire and the Patient-Specific Functional Scale, Objectively their pressure-pain threshold and tolerance was assessed by means of an algometer, Assessments were taken at the first, eighth, and follow-up consultation for all the subjective and objective measurements, Algometer readings were also obtained at the fourth consultation, the pressure was applied at approximately one kilogram per centimeter squared per second, Excessively high or low readings were retaken, Statistical analysis was completed under the guidance of the statistician at Technikon, Natal, using the non-parametric Wilcoxon sign-rank test and the Mann- Whitney unpaired test comparing intra-group and inter-group data respectfully, / M

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Delaware, 2007. / Principal faculty advisor: Irene S. Davis, Dept. of Physical Therapy. Includes bibliographical references.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common, but least understood, knee disorders. Fulkerson (1997) believes that pathology may result from an excessive valgus force being applied to the patella. Researchers have historically examined quadriceps strength and neuromuscular activity and knee kinematics. However, results from these works have not provided conclusive answers. Powers (2003) has theorized that other structures can influence knee function, and researchers have shown that PFPS subjects can exhibit hip weakness and demonstrate altered hip kinematics during functional activities. Although they provide preliminary evidence regarding hip influences, investigations that simultaneously examine hip and knee function in PFPS subjects are needed. The primary purpose of this study was to determine functional performance, strength, neuromuscular activity (amplitudes and onset timing differences), and kinematics of the hip and knee for people diagnosed with PFPS. Eighteen females diagnosed with PFPS and 18 asymptomatic female controls participated. Subjects initially completed a 10-cm visual analog scale. Next, they completed two functional performance tests and underwent a strength assessment for the hip abductors, hip external rotators, and knee extensors. Surface electromyography (EMG) electrodes and reflective markers were donned in order to collect EMG and kinematic data during a stair-stepping task. For this purpose, subjects ascended and descended two 20-cm high steps at a standardized rate. Seven PFPS and seven control subjects were retested five to seven days later to establish measurement reliability. A repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine group differences. Correlation coefficients were calculated to identify associations between pain and dependent measures; intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated to determine measurement reliability for both control and PFPS subjects. Results from this study showed group differences for functional performance, strength, and EMG amplitudes but none for onset timing differences or kinematics. A strong association was found between pain and hip external rotator strength and EMG amplitudes during stair-stepping. Most tests provided reliable measures with repeat testing. PFPS subjects demonstrated quadriceps dysfunction but even greater hip weakness that was correlated more with pain. Contemporary rehabilitation has focused on quadriceps strengthening; however, results from this study support the importance of the hip.

Thesis (M.S.)-- Springfield College, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Delaware, 2006. / Principal faculty advisor: Irene Davis, Dept. of Physical Therapy. Includes bibliographical references.