The Relationship between lsokinetic Testing and Dynamic Patellofemoral Compression.

Forty-two knees were tested on both symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. Subjects were tested using dynamic patellofemoral compression tests, and knee extension/flexion was evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer with a dual channel recorder. The records of knee extension torque were analyzed using a single blind assessment and were judged to be regular or irregular based on deflections from the upward or downward course of the torque tracing. A statistically significant relationship was found between irregularity of the torque records and positive findings on the patellofemoral compression tests performed in full knee extension. A similar relationship was present between regular torque curves and negative findings on the compression tests. It was concluded that assessment of the regularity of the isokinetic torque of knee extension is a potentially valuable adjunct to evaluation of persons with disorders of the patellofemoral joint, but further research is needed to explore this area.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1983;4(3):150-153.