Introduction: Competitive cycling is a popular sport in Ireland. Knee pain
occurs in 33 % of elite cyclists. Consequently, knee pain is a common
diagnostic and management dilemma for physiotherapists, family physicians and
orthopaedic surgeons. The aetiology of anterior knee pain remains unclear.
Abnormal patellar tracking, vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) weakness, patellar
chondromalacia and quadriceps/ hamstring inflexibility are proposed mechanisms
of injury. Aim: To correlate anterior knee pain with: lower limb pedal
kinematics, patellar chondromalacia, VMO size, bike set up, quadriceps strength
and hamstrings flexibility. Methods: 18 cyclists with and without anterior knee
pain were recruited. All held amateur cycling licences wit Cycling Ireland and cycled
at least 200 kilometres per week. Lower limb kinematics were recorded using a
Motion Analysis CorporationTM6 Camera (Eagle) 240 Hz Motion Analysis System
with EVaRT software. Standard MRI protocol determined the presence of patellar
chondromalacia and VMO size. A ConTrex dynamometer measured quadriceps
strength. Straight leg raising and angle at the hip using an inclinometer determined
hamstring flexibility. Results: Patellar chondromalacia was seen in 2 cyclists
experiencing pain. Asymmetrical cycle patters were also detected. Conclusion:
Anterior knee pain is a common problem for cyclists. Asymmetrical cycle
patterns and patellar chondromalcia were seen in our cyclists experiencing
pain.