Fatores biomecânicos associados à síndrome da dor patelofemoral em crianças e adolescentes

Abstract

Objective: To investigate biomechanical factors associated with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) in Brazilian children and adolescents. Method: A cross-sectional, population-based study conducted in Natal, Brazil, from 2019 to 2023 with students from 30 schools (selected from 200). For the analysis of associations, adjusted Prevalence Ratios (PR) and their respective 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) for the outcome in relation to independent variables were calculated, adopting a significance level of 5%. Results: In a total of 283 students, there was a positive association between PFPS and poor quality of movement in both lower limbs bilaterally (right side: p: 0.04, PR: 2.2; CI: 1.02-4.8) and left side (p: 0.04, PR: 2.6; CI: >1-6.9). Another positive association was found with dynamic valgus of the left lower limb (p<0.01, PR: 1.9; CI: 1.1-3.1). Conclusions: PFPS in children and adolescents is associated with poor movement quality in the lower limbs and dynamic valgus of the left limb but showed no association with increased midfoot mobility or ankle range of motion. We emphasize the use of the Lateral Step Down Test in primary care. Prevention and intervention actions targeting these biomechanical factors may be important for early diagnosis and clinical treatment of PFPS in this group.