Test-related psychological responses and quadriceps neuromuscular outcomes in people with and without patellofemoral pain.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate test-related psychological responses during quadriceps neuromuscular assessments in individuals with and without patellofemoral pain (PFP), and examine their relationship with test outcomes.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-six individuals (23 with PFP, 23 pain-free controls).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We assessed knee extension peak torque, early and late rate of torque development (RTD) during maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs). Central activation ratio was assessed using the superimposed burst (SIB) technique, and active motor threshold using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Psychological responses (discomfort, thigh pain, knee pain, anxiety, and fear) were rated on a 0-100 visual analogue scale for each test.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, the PFP group reported greater discomfort (adjusted p = 0.007) and knee pain (adjusted p = 0.007) during MVICs, and greater knee pain during SIB (adjusted p = 0.011) and TMS (adjusted p = 0.011). There were no significant correlations between test-related psychological responses and test outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological responses were generally similar between groups, except that those with PFP reported greater knee pain in all tests. Although elevated in both groups, these responses were not significantly associated with poorer test outcomes. These findings support the utility of these assessments and underscore the importance of monitoring patient comfort during testing.