Relationship between asymmetry of physical function based on child growth stages and anterior knee pain in adolescent basketball players

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to investigate the relationship between anterior knee pain and asymmetry of physical function in growing basketball players.

Methods: We conducted a questionnaire survey and measured lower limb muscle strength, muscle thickness, flexibility, and performance in 51 adolescent male basketball players aged 8‒18 years, and examined the relationship between anterior knee pain and asymmetry of physical function in the growth phase of the growth height velocity curve.

Results: Statistical analyses were performed on 17 and 26 participants in phases 2 and 3, respectively. Asymmetry in physical function and its association with anterior knee pain were not observed in both phases. Comparison of physical function between patients with and without anterior knee pain showed that anterior knee pain in the non-axle leg was more frequent in phase 2, and knee extensor strength was significantly lower in the group with anterior knee pain.

Conclusion: Growing basketball players showed no asymmetry of physical function and had little association of this with anterior knee joint pain. However, unilateral anterior knee joint pain was observed, suggesting that knee extensor strength is associated with anterior knee pain.