Article

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether vastus medialis (VM) Hoffmann reflexes
(H-reflexes) differ on the basis of the presence or absence of patellofemoral
pain (PFP) and to assess the capability of VM H-reflex measurements in accurately
discriminating between women with and without PFP.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.
SETTING: Laboratory of biomechanics and motor control. PARTICIPANTS: Women (N=30)
aged 18 to 35 years were recruited, consisting of 2 groups: women with PFP (n=15)
and asymptomatic controls
(n=15). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME
MEASURES: Maximum evoked responses were obtained by electrical stimulation
applied to the femoral nerve, and peak-to-peak amplitudes of maximal Hoffmann
reflex (Hmax) and maximal motor wave (Mmax) ratios were calculated. Independent
samples t tests were performed to identify differences between groups, and a
receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to assess the
discriminatory capability of VM H-reflex measurements.
RESULTS: VM Hmax/Mmax
ratios were significantly lower in participants with PFP than in pain-free
participants (P=.007). In addition, the VM Hmax/Mmax ratios presented large and
balanced discriminatory capability values (sensitivity, 73%; specificity, 67%).
CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to show that VM H-reflexes are lower in
women with PFP than in asymptomatic controls. Therefore, increasing the
excitation of the spinal cord in PFP participants may be essential to maintaining
the gains acquired during the rehabilitation programs.
CI - Copyright (c) 2016 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS