Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in Young Adult Women with Low to Moderate Physical Activity Levels

Objective: To assess the prevalence and associated factors of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) in young adult women with low to moderate physical activity levels (PA). Methods: Women with low to moderate PA, aged between 18 and 40 years, were enrolled in this study. A Thai version of the Kujala Patellofemoral Questionnaire (KPQ), history taking, and physical examination were used to screened and confirmed the diagnosis of PFPS. Demographic features, including age, body mass index (BMI), PA, knee alignment, and static foot posture were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine confounding factors associated with PFPS. Results: A total of 1,011 women, with a mean age of 25.51±6.79 years, participated in this study. The prevalence of PFPS was 15%. Age, BMI, PA, knee alignment, and static foot posture were not shown significantly associated with PFPS in this population. Discussion: Although the participants were young adult with low to moderate PA, the prevalence of PFPS was in the same range as the highly active groups. None of the factors investigated in this study could predicted the PFPS occurrence. Based on this study, the risk factors of PFPS seem to be complex and individualized. The early diagnosis and treatment of PFPS should therefore be considered in this age-group of population.