The objective of this study was to compare the hip strength of sedentary females with either unilateral or bilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) to a control group of sedentary females of similar demographics without PFPS. Hip muscle weakness has been suggested as an important factor in the etiology of young female athletes with PFPS. This syndrome is also common in sedentary females and it is unclear if similar findings of hip weakness would be present in this population. Females between 15 and 40 years of age participated in the study. Strength for all 6 hip muscle groups was measured bilaterally on all subjects using a hand held dynamometer. RESULTS: The hip musculature of sedentary females with bilateral PFPS was statistically weaker (range, 12-36%; P<.05) than for the control group for all muscle groups. The hip abductors, lateral rotators, flexors and extensors of the injured side of those with unilateral PFPS group were statistically weaker (range, 15-20%; P<.05) than the control group, but only the hip abductors were significantly weaker when compared to their uninjured side (20%; P <.05).
This study demonstrates that hip weakness is a common finding in sedentary females with PFPS.