Alterations in energy consumption and plantar pressure distribution during walking in young adults with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the alterations of walking energy expenditure and plantar pressure distribution in young adults with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

Methods

Thirty five individuals (mean age: 21.31 ± 1.76) with PFPS constituted the patient group and forty healthy participants (mean age: 21.40 ± 2.11) the control group. Preferred walking speeds (PWS) were determined on the over ground. Individuals walked on a treadmill for 7 min at their PWS and 30% above PWS and oxygen consumption was recorded via a metabolic analyzer. Net oxygen consumption was calculated for each walking trial. Borg scale was applied to assess perceived exertion during walking trial. Plantar pressure distributions were measured by a pedobarography device. Plantar area was subdivided into six zones to evaluate the dynamic plantar pressure data.

Results

The mean PWS of PFPS and control groups were 4.69 ± 0.51 and 4.52 ± 0.60 km/h, respectively (p > .09). No significant difference was observed in energy expenditure during walking at PWS between 2 groups while oxygen consumption during 30% above PWS was higher in patient group (18.72 ± 3.75 and 16.64 ± 3.27) (p = .007). Net oxygen consumption was also found to be higher in PFPS group (15.12 ± 3.62 and 13.04 ± 3.24) (p = .005). The mean Borg scores were significantly higher in PFPS group at each walking trials (p < .001). No statistically significant difference was found between weight distribution (%) of symptomatic and nonsymptomatic extremity (50.45 ± 3.92% and 49.56 ± 3.93%, respectively) (p = .509). Dynamic pedobarography parameters were not different between 2 groups, and also between symptomatic and nonsymptomatic extremities (p > .05).

Conclusion

Although, rate of perceived exertion and energy expenditure during walking at 30% above PWS are affected negatively in young adults with PFPS, we may speculate that energy consumption and plantar pressure distribution can be compensated by a physiologic adaptation mechanism during walking at PWS.

Level of evidence

Level III, Therapeutic Study.