A systematic review of running shoes and lower leg biomechanics : a possible link with patellofemoral pain syndrome?

Objective: This paper aims to review the relationship between running shoes and lower leg biomechanics in order to establish a possible link between patellofemoral pain syndrome and running shoe design. This may shed light on the alternative management of patellofemoral pain syndrome. Data sources: MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL and EMBase databases were searched using the following keyword: patellofemoral, footwear, motion, kinematics, shoe, running, knee, pain. Study section: A total of 42 articles were screened. Data extraction: Manuscripts were read and then grouped into the different sub-topics of this review paper, including (1) patellofemoral pain syndrome; (2) the relationship between excessive foot pronation and patellofemoral pain syndrome; (3) footwear for controlling excessive rearfoot pronation; and (4) the relationship between patellofemoral pain syndrome and running shoes. Data synthesis: Possible kinematics transfer from the rearfoot to the patellofemoral joint is illustrated. This may provide a rationale for tackling patellofemoral pain syndrome through the appropriate selection of running shoes. Conclusion: Appropriate footwear selection may contribute to the effective management of patellofemoral pain syndrome in runners with excessive rearfoot pronation.