Resting calcaneal stance position and tibial varum in healthy controls and patellofemoral pain sufferers

The purpose of this study was to assess the differences in right and left measures of resting calcaneal stance position (RCSP) and tibial varum in healthy controls and those suffering from patellofemoral pain syndrome. In addition, the effect changes in foot position have on the magnitude of these measures was also examined. Preliminary studies were completed to determine the accuracy, intertester and intratester reliability of the photographic-goniometric measurement methodology. Pilot study one examined the accuracy and reliability using a jig that represented the lower leg and hind foot. Pilot study two examined reliability using two testers and eight human participants. Forty-six individuals participated in the main study; 29 were asymptomatic and 17 were symptomatic for patellofemoral pain syndrome. Measurements of RCSP and tibial varum were taken in a single-legged, self-selected and Romberg stance. No significant differences were found between asymptomatic and symptomatic group or asymptomatic and symptomatic limb. Similarly, no significant differences were found between measures of right and left limbs. Measures of RCSP and tibial varum taken in the self-selected stance were significantly different than those derived in the Romberg and single-legged stance positions. Significant interaction effects reveal differences in RCSP between asymptomatic and symptomatic populations in the single-legged stance position. These results suggest that there is a need for the development of a standardized measurement methodology (i.e., positioning, instrumentation) when examining measures of RCSP and tibial varum.