"I believe it will not get worse": A mixed-methods longitudinal study about patient's perspective of recently developed patellofemoral pain

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to: (i) understand how women perceived their recently developed patellofemoral pain (PFP) regarding its cause, prognosis, and willingness to seek treatment; (ii) investigate self-reported function, knee-related quality of life (QoL), fear of movement, and physical activity level at the onset of PFP.

Design: Mixed-methods longitudinal study.

Setting: University.

Participants: Sixty-eight pain-free women were followed up over one year.

Main outcome measures: Those who developed PFP were interviewed within one month of the development of symptoms. Self-reported function, kinesiophobia, knee-related QoL, and physical activity were obtained at baseline and follow-up assessments.

Results: Twenty-one women developed PFP. Most participants reported believing the increase in physical activity and/or sitting time was associated with the onset of PFP. Many reported believing symptoms would improve over time without any treatment. Only a small number of participants intended to seek care. Quantitatively, decreases in self-reported function and QoL, as well as increases in the physical activity level were observed after PFP development.

Conclusion: Although decreases in self-reported function and QoL were observed, women reported believing their PFP is self-limiting and do not need treatment. Strategies to accurately disseminate knowledge about PFP are needed to help stimulating early care.

Keywords: Anterior knee pain; Early rehabilitation; Education; Health beliefs; Qualitative.