Limited Ankle Dorsiflexion and Effect on Single Limb Squats in Individuals With Patellofemoral Pain

• Participants will undergo Covid screening prior to filling out consent form and PHI. Randomization will occur to create an experimental group and a minimal intervention group.
• Participants will complete two self-reported questionnaires on how their diagnosis affects functional activities.
• Dorsiflexion range of motion in a weight bearing position will be taken.
• Hip abductor strength on tested limb will be measure on isokinetic device.
• The Lateral Step Down test will be conducted for 6 trials on each participant, 3 with a heel wedge and 3 without, movement recorded, and graded using two motion capture devices.
• The experimental group will receive two interventions to increase dorsiflexion range of motion. The minimal intervention group will read and infographic and complete 5 minutes of treadmill walking.
• Each participant will then have their dorsiflexion measured again prior to completing another 3 trials of the Lateral Step Down test.

Inclusion criteria

• History of active Patellofemoral Pain for at least 6 months
• No clinic based therapeutic interventions for a 6-month period prior to testing
• Females aged 18-59 years' old
• Limited ankle dorsiflexion as noted by <45degs using the weight bearing lunge test

Exclusion criteria

• History of musculoskeletal surgery or fractures on the tested leg or lumbar spine that could affect their biomechanics during the study
• History of soft tissue or skeletal abnormalities in the tested limb
• Current knee effusion
• Resting pain greater than 5/10