Escamilla RF, Zheng N, Macleod TD, Edwards WB, Hreljac A, Fleisig GS, Wilk KE, Moorman CT, Imamura R
The aim of this study was to measure patellofemoral compressive force and stress during weight bearing lunge exercises that are frequently employed during patellofemoral rehabilitation. Patellofemoral force and stress progressively decreased as knee flexion increased and progressively increased as knee flexion decreased. Patellofemoral force and stress were greater in the side lunge compared to the forward lunge between 80 degrees and 90 degrees knee angles, and greater with a stride compared to without a stride between 10 degrees and 50 degrees knee angles.
A more functional knee flexion range between 0 degrees and 50 degrees may be appropriate during the early phases of patellofemoral rehabilitation due to lower patellofemoral compressive force and stress during this range compared to higher knee angles between 60 degrees and 90 degrees. Moreover, when the goal is to minimize patellofemoral compressive force and stress, it may be prudent to employ forward and side lunges without a stride compared to with a stride, especially at lower knee angles between 0 degrees and 50 degrees.
Clinical Biomechanics, 2008 Jul 14, online article ahead of print