Association of Patellofemoral Pain With Gait, Balance, and Lower Extremity Functioning in Security Guards
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/ajx9dn86Keywords:
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome; Security Guards; Gait; Balance; Lower Extremity Function; Functional MobilityAbstract
Background: Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a common anterior knee condition that may affect occupational groups exposed to prolonged standing, walking, and repetitive lower-limb loading. Security guards are particularly vulnerable because their duties require sustained weight-bearing activity, functional mobility, and postural control. Objective: This study aimed to compare gait performance, balance, and lower-extremity function between security guards with and without patellofemoral pain syndrome. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 187 male security guards aged 30-50 years recruited from the University of Lahore, University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, and Sapphire Factory. Patellofemoral pain status was assessed clinically using patellofemoral pain assessment with the Patellar Grind Test. Functional mobility and balance were assessed using the Timed Up and Go test, gait performance using the Functional Gait Assessment, and lower-extremity function using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, and group comparisons were performed using independent-samples t-test. Results: Patellofemoral pain was identified in 72 participants, giving a prevalence of 38.5%. Participants with patellofemoral pain had longer Timed Up and Go duration than those without pain (12.41 ± 1.46 vs 8.65 ± 1.05 seconds; p<0.001), lower Functional Gait Assessment scores (20.26 ± 2.47 vs 24.97 ± 1.65; p<0.001), and lower Lower Extremity Functional Scale scores (51.46 ± 4.86 vs 60.35 ± 3.59; p<0.001). Conclusion: Patellofemoral pain syndrome was common among security guards and was significantly associated with poorer mobility, impaired gait performance, and reduced lower-extremity function.
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