Physical therapy alters recruitment of the vasti in patellofemoral pain syndrome

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effect of physical therapy treatment on the timing of electromyographic (EMG) activity of the vasti in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Methods: Sixty-five (42 female, 23 male) participants aged 40 yr or less (29.2 ± 7.8 yr) diagnosed with PFPS. Participants were randomly allocated into physical therapy treatment (McConnell-based) or placebo groups. Treatment programs were standardized and consisted of six-treatment sessions over 6 wk. Vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) EMG activity was recorded with surface electrodes during a stair-stepping task and onsets of EMG activity were measured pre- and post-treatment. Results: B..