Mobility impairment for PFPS involves:

Mobility impairment for PFPS involves:

• A. All of the following: increased foot mobility and/or flexibility deficits in hamstrings, quadriceps, gastrocnemius, soleus, and IT band
• B. Flexibility deficits only in the hamstrings
• C. No flexibility deficits
• D. Flexibility deficits in the hip adductors only

Answer: (A)

Mobility problems that contribute to PFPS come from the entire leg kinetic chain, not just the knee itself. The best-fitting pattern includes both a tendency for greater foot mobility (often linked to pronation) and flexibility deficits in several muscles crossing the knee. When the foot is too mobile, it can allow excessive tibial internal rotation and knee valgus during weight bearing, which increases stress on the patellofemoral joint. At the same time, tightness in the muscles crossing the knee and ankle—hamstrings, quadriceps, gastrocnemius, and soleus—restricts proper movement and patellar tracking. Tight gastrocnemius and soleus limit ankle dorsiflexion, prompting compensatory knee motions; tight hamstrings or quadriceps can alter knee extension and patellar alignment; and a tight IT band can pull the patella laterally, worsening tracking. Together, these factors create the mobility impairment pattern seen in PFPS, which is why the comprehensive option is the best choice.

Mobility problems that contribute to PFPS come from the entire leg kinetic chain, not just the knee itself. The best-fitting pattern includes both a tendency for greater foot mobility (often linked to pronation) and flexibility deficits in several muscles crossing the knee. When the foot is too mobile, it can allow excessive tibial internal rotation and knee valgus during weight bearing, which increases stress on the patellofemoral joint. At the same time, tightness in the muscles crossing the knee and ankle—hamstrings, quadriceps, gastrocnemius, and soleus—restricts proper movement and patellar tracking. Tight gastrocnemius and soleus limit ankle dorsiflexion, prompting compensatory knee motions; tight hamstrings or quadriceps can alter knee extension and patellar alignment; and a tight IT band can pull the patella laterally, worsening tracking. Together, these factors create the mobility impairment pattern seen in PFPS, which is why the comprehensive option is the best choice.