Influence of foot strike patterns and cadences on patellofemoral joint stress in male runners with patellofemoral pain

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of foot strike patterns and cadences in male runners with patellofemoral pain (PFP).

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Biomechanics lab.

Methods: 20 male runners with PFP were instructed to randomly complete six running conditions (three cadence conditions in rearfoot strike pattern (RFS) or forefoot strike (FFS)) under a preferred running speed.

Main outcome measures: The primary outcomes were peak knee joint and moment, and secondary outcomes were patellofemoral joint stress.

Results: Running with increased cadence has a lower flexion angle (P = 0.027, η² = 0.45), lower extension moment (P = 0.011, η² = 0.29), lower internal rotation moment (P = 0.040, η² = 0.17), lower patellofemoral stress (P = 0.029, η² = 0.52) than preferred cadence. FFS running performed significantly lower flexion angle (P = 0.003, η² = 0.39), lower extension moment (P < 0.001, η² = 0.91), lower adduction moment (P = 0.020, η² = 0.25) lower patellofemoral stress (P < 0.001, η² = 0.81) than RFS running for all cadence.

Conclusions: Preliminary findings provide new perspectives for male runners with PFP to unload patellofemoral joint stress in managing PFP through the combination of the FFS pattern and increased cadence.

Keywords: Biomechanics; Foot strike pattern; Patellofemoral pain; Running cadence.