The effects of gait retraining in runners with patellofemoral pain: A randomized trial

Authors

J L. Roper, University of New MexicoFollow
E M. Harding, University of New MexicoFollow
D Doerfler, University of New MexicoFollow
J G. Dexter, University of New MexicoFollow
L Kravitz, University of New MexicoFollow
Janet Dufek, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow
C M. Mermier, University of New MexicoFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2016

Publication Title

Clinical Biomechanics

Volume

35

First page number:

14

Last page number:

22

Abstract

Background Running popularity has increased resulting in a concomitant increase in running-related injuries with patellofemoral pain most commonly reported. The purpose of this study was to determine whether gait retraining by modifying footstrike patterns from rearfoot strike to forefoot strike reduces patellofemoral pain and improves associated biomechanical measures, and whether the modification influences risk of ankle injuries. Methods Sixteen subjects (n = 16) were randomly placed in the control (n = 8) or experimental (n = 8) group. The experimental group performed eight gait retraining running sessions over two weeks where footstrike pattern was switched from rearfoot strike to forefoot strike, while the control group performed running sessions with no intervention. Variables were recorded pre-, post-, and one-month post-running trials. Findings Knee pain was significantly reduced post-retraining (P < 0.05; effect size = 0.294) and one-month follow-up (P < 0.05; effect size = 0.294). Knee abduction was significantly improved post-retraining (P < 0.05; effect size = 0.291) and one-month follow-up (P < 0.05; effect size = 0.291). Ankle flexion was significantly different post-retraining (P < 0.05; effect size = 0.547), as well as ankle range of motion post-retraining (P < 0.05; effect size = 0.425) and one-month follow-up (P < 0.05; effect size = 0.425). Interpretation Findings suggest running with a forefoot strike pattern leads to reduced knee pain, and should be considered a possible strategy for management of patellofemoral pain in recreational runners. This trial is registered at the US National Institutes of Health (clinicaltrials.gov) #NCT02567123.

Keywords

Injury; Knee; Lower extremity; Running

Language

English

Repository Citation

Roper, J. L., Harding, E. M., Doerfler, D., Dexter, J. G., Kravitz, L., Dufek, J., Mermier, C. M. (2016). The effects of gait retraining in runners with patellofemoral pain: A randomized trial. Clinical Biomechanics, 35 14-22.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2016.03.010