Comparison of Dynamic Postural Control with and Without Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome using Star Excursion Balance Test

Abstract

Dynamic postural control is to control posture in all dynamic activities. Balance control is much needed in all postures. It is either static or dynamic. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a very common condition seen in adults as well as the elderly. Balance deficits are seen in subjects with PFPS; evaluation of the balance is a costly as well as time consuming. Majority of therapies do not have much concern in the management of PFPS. Clinical setting static balance is the commonly measured one whereas dynamic balance is not measured. Dynamic activities do not replicate the same physical action; they mimic closely the demands of physical activity than assessment of fixed postural control. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the new evaluation techniques that can prove to be reliable, sensitive, cost effective and also give dependable information about dynamic movement. One such tool in the clinical and research settings is the star excursion balance test (SEBT). The study aims to compare the dynamic postural stability in subjects with PFPS and without PFPS using SEBT. This study is a cross-sectional design where 20 subjects were included – 10 with PFPS and 10 without PFPS. All were selected following a due inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Q angle of each subject was measured using an inch tape. Following that, the subjects were asked to do SEBT in eight different directions. The reach distance was measured and the data were analyzed using the student “t” test. The result of the study shows that subjects with PFPS show an impaired postural control than subjects without PFPS.

Keywords: Patellofemoral pain syndrome, Q angle, star excursion balance test