Gluteal Muscle Strength and Activation, and the Relation to Knee Pain
by Joseph J. Swinfen
TSAC Report
April 2019
This article focuses on exercises that strengthen the gluteal muscles for abduction to help reduce knee pain in full range of motion and promote proper movement in the primary knee joints.
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Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a chronic condition described as generalized anterior knee pain that occurs during a multitude of activities, typically becoming worse with prolonged activity (14). Activities such as walking, jogging, squatting, lunging, kneeling, and walking up and down the stairs, along with many others can induce or exacerbate pain. A 2008 retrospective study found that due to PFPS, as many as 74% of adults cease their activity at some level or stop because of this pain (3). Musculoskeletal disorders can unfortunately be a major issue in the military setting. Military personnel encounter a myriad of activities (e.g., physical training, recreational sport and work) that may result in some form of musculoskeletal disorder.
This article originally appeared in TSAC Report, the NSCA’s quarterly, online-only publication geared toward the training of tactical athletes, operators, and facilitators. It provides research-based articles, performance drills, and conditioning techniques for operational, tactical athletes. The TSAC Report is only available for NSCA Members. Read more articles from TSAC Report
References
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12. Pollock, ML, Gettman, LR, Milesis, CA, Bah, MD, Durstine, L, and Johnson, RB. Effects of frequency and duration of training on attrition and incidence of injury. Medicine and Sciecnce in Sports 9(1): 31-36, 1977.
13. Tyler, TF, Nicholas, SJ, Mullaney, MJ, and McHugh, MP. The role of hip muscle function in the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome. American Journal of Sports Medicine 34(4): 630-636. 2006.
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