The Comparison of Iliotibial Band Length and Q Angle in Athletes with and without Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome accounts for 25%-40% of all knee problems observed in sport medical centers. The purpose of this study was to compare muscle flexibility of lower extremity in athletes with and without patellofemoral pain syndrome. Subject included 30 athletes: 15 female athletes with patellofemoral pain (age 24.20±4.11 years, mass 58.86±1.20 kg, height 165.59±7.43 cm) and 15 female healthy athletes (age 24.01±3.10 years, mass 59.21±1.09 kg, height 165.90±6.80 cm). The length of hamstring, gastrocnemius and soleus muscles was measured by an electrogoniometer; Q angle and iliotibial band length were measured by a universal goniometer. Data were analyzed by independent t test. The results showed that Q angle significantly increased and length of the iliotibial band decreased in athletes with patellofemoral pain compared to healthy control subjects. It is suggested that these variables are assessed more deeply and training programs are recommended by coaches and sport physicians