Iliotibial band tightness and patellofemoral pain syndrome a case-control study

Abstract 

Introduction

Tightness of the iliotibial band (ITB) has been associated with subjects presenting with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) (Bizzini et al., 2003; McConnell, 1986; Puniello, 1993). To date, these clinical observations have not been subject to scientific rigour.

Methods

Twenty-four subjects were recruited (PFPS group , control group ). The Ober test was conducted on both legs of each subject according to a standard operating procedure by one of the authors (ED) Reese et al., 2003. An independent observer recorded all the results.

Results

Independent t-tests showed no significant difference () in gender, age, height or weight between the two groups. Physical activity was comparable between groups.

In the control group, the mean values for hip adduction were 21.4° and 20.3° for the left and right legs, respectively. In the PFPS group, the values for the non-painful and painful legs were 17.3° and 14.9°, respectively, (Fig. 1). One way ANOVA revealed a highly significant difference between groups (, ).

Least significant difference post hoc analysis revealed no significant difference between the left and right legs in the control group and the painful and non-painful legs in the PFPS group. There was a significant difference between the painful leg in the PFPS group and the left and right legs in the control group, and 0.009, respectively. Analysis of the non-painful leg in the PFPS group showed a significant difference between the left leg () and a non significant difference () between the right leg in the control group.

Discussion/Conclusions

Subjects presenting with PFPS have a tighter ITB on the painful knee, and this was shown to be highly significant compared to a control group. There was a trend that the ITB in the non-painful leg was also tighter compared to the control group.