Abstract
Background
Abnormal hip mechanics are often implicated in female runners with patellofemoral
pain. We sought to evaluate a simple gait retraining technique, using a full-length
mirror, in female runners with patellofemoral pain and abnormal hip mechanics. Transfer
of the new motor skill to the untrained tasks of single leg squat and step descent
was also evaluated.
Methods
Ten female runners with patellofemoral pain completed 8 sessions of mirror and verbal
feedback on their lower extremity alignment during treadmill running. During the last
4 sessions, mirror and verbal feedback were progressively removed. Hip mechanics were
assessed during running gait, a single leg squat and a step descent, both pre- and
post-retraining. Subjects returned to their normal running routines and analyses were
repeated at 1-month and 3-month post-retraining. Data were analyzed via repeated measures
analysis of variance.
Findings
Subjects reduced peaks of hip adduction, contralateral pelvic drop, and hip abduction
moment during running (P<0.05, effect size=0.69–2.91). Skill transfer to single leg squatting and step descent was noted (P<0.05, effect size=0.91–1.35). At 1 and 3 months post retraining, most mechanics were maintained in the absence of continued
feedback. Subjects reported improvements in pain and function (P<0.05, effect size=3.81–7.61) and maintained through 3 months post retraining.
Interpretation
Mirror gait retraining was effective in improving mechanics and measures of pain and
function. Skill transfer to the untrained tasks of squatting and step descent indicated
that a higher level of motor learning had occurred. Extended follow-up is needed to
determine the long term efficacy of this treatment.
Keywords
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: August 22, 2012
Accepted:
July 30,
2012
Received:
December 8,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Elsevier Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
