Comprehensive gait analysis as an assessment tool of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in runners : Walking and running gait guidebook for physiotherapy students
Pakkanen, Julianna (2024)
Pakkanen, Julianna
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024120332251
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024120332251
Tiivistelmä
This thesis touches upon the use of gait analysis as an assessment method for runners’ knees, also known as Patellofemoral pain syndrome. The aim is to explore and evaluate the current evidence and literature about the use of gait analysis in runners with Patellofemoral pain syndrome. Literature compiled surrounding this topic was used to develop assessment competency in physiotherapy students due to a lack of formal and in-depth education in gait analysis, by creating a comprehensive guidebook.
The theoretical model for this thesis, implemented in the guidebook, was based on current theoretical literature and research articles. To review and evaluate all collected literature involved in the theoretical basis, an integrative review was conducted to formulate relevant themes pertaining to the topic of gait analysis in patellofemoral pain syndrome. Based on the thematic division from the integrative review, a guidebook was created via the platform Canva and distributed to current physiotherapy students of SAMK, where feedback was collected wherein it reflected on its effectiveness and quality.
Results from the integrative literature review concluded a lack of evidence and consensus around the usability of visual/ observational gait analysis to assess the vague appearance of Patellofemoral pain syndrome. However, it suggested moderate evidence on the existence of overall gait characteristics associated with it in walking and running conditions. The guidebook yielded positive feedback for its content, outcome, usability, and its quality of its overall effectiveness.
In addition to the outcome, literature suggested uncertainty in understanding the nature of these gait presentations as author suggested a full implementation of the action research model to further improve and develop methods in utilizing gait analysis in applicable settings.
In conclusion, the use of gait analysis for patellofemoral pain syndrome in runners should be included in a complete comprehensive assessment of the injury, to consider the multifactorial nature of this overuse/ overload knee injury.
The theoretical model for this thesis, implemented in the guidebook, was based on current theoretical literature and research articles. To review and evaluate all collected literature involved in the theoretical basis, an integrative review was conducted to formulate relevant themes pertaining to the topic of gait analysis in patellofemoral pain syndrome. Based on the thematic division from the integrative review, a guidebook was created via the platform Canva and distributed to current physiotherapy students of SAMK, where feedback was collected wherein it reflected on its effectiveness and quality.
Results from the integrative literature review concluded a lack of evidence and consensus around the usability of visual/ observational gait analysis to assess the vague appearance of Patellofemoral pain syndrome. However, it suggested moderate evidence on the existence of overall gait characteristics associated with it in walking and running conditions. The guidebook yielded positive feedback for its content, outcome, usability, and its quality of its overall effectiveness.
In addition to the outcome, literature suggested uncertainty in understanding the nature of these gait presentations as author suggested a full implementation of the action research model to further improve and develop methods in utilizing gait analysis in applicable settings.
In conclusion, the use of gait analysis for patellofemoral pain syndrome in runners should be included in a complete comprehensive assessment of the injury, to consider the multifactorial nature of this overuse/ overload knee injury.