What did I do?
The aim of the thesis was to investigate school footwear as a management tool for adolescent patellofemoral pain (PFP). The specific aims were to (1) understand adolescent school shoe prescription practices and perspectives; (2) examine the immediate biomechanical effects of footwear in adolescents with PFP and (3) evaluate the feasibility of a flat, flexible school footwear intervention for adolescent PFP.
Why did I do it?
PFP is a common musculoskeletal complaint among adolescents. PFP in adolescence is associated with long-term changes in physical and psychosocial health.1 Despite the high prevalence of PFP in adolescence, this cohort is under-represented in research. Almost all studies investigating the features, characteristics and treatment of PFP have used adult cohorts. The cornerstone of PFP management is exercise therapy, yet adolescents do not respond as well to exercise therapy compared with adult cohorts, often reporting persistent symptoms many years after the cessation of treatment.1 To address the poor prognosis of adolescent PFP, greater research and treatment options are required in this population group.
Lowering biomechanical load at the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) is a strategy that has been advocated in the management of PFP.2 Individuals …
