Foot biomechanics and initial effects of infrapatellar strap on gait parameters in patients with unilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome

Background: There is limited information on the relationship between plantar foot pressure and patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). In addition, there is not enough research on the effects of an infrapatellar strap on PFPS. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the immediate effects of an infrapatellar strap on dynamic pedabarography in patients with unilateral PFPS. Methods: Clinical case control study design. 18 females subjects with unilateral PFPS were included in the study. Gait parameters were tested using pedabarography during barefoot walking with and without an infrapatellar strap. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in gait trials comparing infrapatellar strap to no strap (P> 0.05). In addition, a significant difference (P = 0.043) in the % forefoot surface on the involved side demonstrated that body weight is transferred to medial aspect of the foot. Discussion: Although our results show a difference between the forefoot surface % of the affected and unaffected sides of subjects with PFPS there was no indication that an infrapatellar strap had any immediate effect on this parameter. Conclusion: It is not clear whether PFPS is a cause or effect of abnormal gait. Further research is warranted to investigate the long-term effects of wearing an infrapatellar strap and associated altered foot biomechanics due to PFPS.