Hip rate of torque development, but not strength, is associated with single-leg squat kinematics in individuals with patellofemoral pain.

Introduction: Isometric hip strength seems to have limited association with frontal plane kinematics in individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP), but little is known about the association with hip rate of torque development (RTD).

Objective: To explore the association of hip strength and RTD with trunk, pelvis, hip, and knee kinematics during a single-leg squat (SLS) in individuals with PFP.

Methods: Twenty individuals with PFP participated in this study. Hip abductor and extensor strength and RTD (early phase and late phase) were assessed using a hand-held dynamometer. Lateral trunk motion, pelvic drop, hip frontal plane projection angle (HFPPA), and knee frontal plane projection angle (KFPPA) were evaluated during a SLS using a two-dimensional motion analysis.

Results: Lower early and late phase hip abductor RTD were moderately associated with greater HFPPA (early phase: r = -0.501, p = .025; late phase: r = -0.580, p = .007) and KFPPA (early phase: r = -0.536, p = .015; late phase: r = -0.554, p = .011). Lower early phase hip extensor RTD was moderately associated with greater pelvic drop (r = 0.571, p = .009), HFPPA (r = -0.548, p = .012), and KFPPA (r = -0.530, p = .016). Hip abductor and extensor strength were not associated with any kinematic variables (p > .05).

Conclusion: Lower hip RTD, but not strength, was associated with greater frontal plane kinematics during a SLS in individuals with PFP, indicating that the ability to produce torque rapidly may be important for kinematic control during functional tasks.