Analysis of knee angle during the step-down test in women with patellofemoral dysfunction: preliminary results.

The patellofemoral dysfunction (PFD) is commonly related to changes in dynamic stabilization of the knee, mainly during activities as descending stairs, where there is higher stress to the joint. The aim of this study was to angles during the step-down test in the healthy knee and the knee with PFD of women. Six women participate in this study and it was evaluate the knee with and without the PDF. The test was recorded and the video was analyzed with the Kinovea® software to verify the Q angle and the quadriceps femoris muscle angle prior to and during the descending phase of the test. There were no differences in the angles between the knees with and without the PDF. Individuals in this study presented the same pattern of movement for both knees, independent of the presence of PDF, and the dynamic valgus was not present.