The Efficacy of Myofascial Chain Release Techniques in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.

Knee pain

Visual Analogue Scale will be used in the assessment of pain severity. It expresses pain severity between a score of 0 (no pain) and 10 (unbearably severe pain).

Time frame: Change from baseline knee pain at week 6.

Forward head

The craniovertebral angle will be considered in determining the forward tilt of the head. In this study, markers will be placed on the mastoid process and C7 spinous process to determine the craniovertebral angle. Photographs of the participants will be taken from the front and side, and then the craniovertebral angle will be calculated using the Tracker 4.11.0 software on these photos. Forward head posture is characterized as pathologic when the craniovertebral angle (CVA) is ≥50°.

Time frame: Change from baseline craniovertebral angle at week 6.

Q-Angle

For the Q angle, the angle between a straight line from the SIAS to the center of the patella and the line from the center of the patella to the center of the tuberositas tibia will be measured with a goniometer. While the Q angle can be between 6° and 27°, its approximate average value is 15°. Increasing or decreasing the Q angle increases the pressure in the lateral and medial compartments of the patellofemoral joint.

Time frame: Change from baseline Q-angle at week 6.

Genu varum

The individual in the standing position is asked to unite the lower extremities while maintaining 0° extension of the knees. The distance between the medial condyles is measured as the medial malleolar are in contact. If the distance is more than 1 cm, it indicates the genu varum.

Time frame: Change from baseline genu varum at week 6.

Genu Valgum

The individual in the standing position is asked to unite the lower extremities while maintaining 0° extension of the knees. The distance between the medial malleolar is measured as the medial condyles are in contact. If the distance is more than 1 cm, it indicates the genu valgum.

Time frame: Change from baseline genu valgum at week 6.

Pes planus

Pes Planus will be evaluated with navicular drop test. The distance between the navicular bone and the ground is measured while the individual sits on the chair with the hip-knee joint in 90º flexion and the subtalar joint in neutral position. Then, the distance between the navicular bone and the ground is measured again while the individual is standing in a position with equal weight on both extremities. The difference between the two measurements is recorded. 10 mm or more difference is considered pes planus.

Time frame: Change from baseline pes planus at week 6.

Foot posture

Foot posture will be evaluated using the Foot posture index, a six item foot posture assessment tool, where each item is scored between -2 and +2 to give a sum total between -12 (highly supinated) and +12 (highly pronated). Items include: talar head palpation, curves above and below the lateral malleoli, calcaneal angle, talonavicular bulge, medial longitudinal arch, and forefoot to rearfoot alignment.

Time frame: Change from baseline foot posture at week 6.

Pelvic tilt

The position of the pelvis will be evaluated with a digital pelvic inclinometer device to determine whether the pelvis has tilted anteriorly or posteriorly. The digital pelvic inclinometer is a valid and reliable method for the evaluation of pelvic tilt. The device consists of two calipers and the calipers are placed on the SIAS (spina illaca anterior posterior) and SIPS (spina illaca posterior superior) of the pelvis. The score on the digital display is recorded. "-" values indicate posterior pelvic tilt, "+" values indicate anterior pelvic tilt.

Time frame: Change from baseline pelvic tilt at week 6.

Lower extremity functionality

Lower extremity functional scale will be used. This scale is a valid and reliable scale used in musculoskeletal problems affecting the lower extremities. It consists of 20 items. Each item is scored between 0-4. The total score is between 0-80. Higher scores indicate better functional status.

Time frame: Change from baseline lower extremity functionality at week 6.

elacticity

Elacticity of myofascial tissues will be evaluated with MyotonPro digital palpation device which is a valid and reliable. In the measurements, the Myoton probe will be placed perpendicular to the fibers of the tissue to be measured and when the probe reaches a sufficient depth, 3 repetitive mechanical stimulus (15ms, 0.40N) will be given to the tissue that has pre-compressed (0.18N). Measurements were taken 3 times from each point and the average values will be used in statistical analysis.

Time frame: Change from baseline Biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of myofascial tissues at week 6.