Pain Severity during Functional Activities in Individuals with Patellofemoral Pain: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the patellofemoral pain and osteoarthritis subscale of the KOOS

BACKGROUND

Patellofemoral pain and patellofemoral osteoarthritis are highly prevalent knee disorders associated with pain and functional limitations. The subscale of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for patellofemoral pain and osteoarthritis (KOOS-PF) was developed to evaluate patients with patellofemoral pain and osteoarthritis.

PURPOSE

This study aims to translate the KOOS-PF into Turkish and assess its measurement properties.

METHODS

The Turkish version of the KOOS-PF was tested for reliability and validity in a convenience sample of 55 patients with patellofemoral pain and/or osteoarthritis. Reliability analyses were conducted through a retest 7-14 days later with a subgroup of 35 patients. The KOOS-PF was compared with Kujala's Anterior Pain Scale (AKPS) and the Short Form-36 health survey (SF-36) to assess construct validity. Additionally, responsiveness analyses were performed on 29 patients who were followed up with a home-based exercise program three months later.

RESULTS

The Turkish version of KOOS-PF has high test-retest reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.96) and internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.91). It has a very good correlation with the AKPS (r = 0.77) and the SF-36 physical component summary (r = 0.64) with no floor or ceiling effects. Responsiveness is confirmed by a good correlation with the global rating of change score (r = 0.51). The minimal clinically important change is 16.5 points, and the minimal important difference is 10.2.

CONCLUSION

The Turkish version of the KOOS-PF is valid, reliable, and responsive for evaluating patients with patellofemoral pain and/or osteoarthritis.

"I believe it will not get worse": A mixed-methods longitudinal study about patient's perspective of recently developed patellofemoral pain

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to: (i) understand how women perceived their recently developed patellofemoral pain (PFP) regarding its cause, prognosis, and willingness to seek treatment; (ii) investigate self-reported function, knee-related quality of life (QoL), fear of movement, and physical activity level at the onset of PFP.

DESIGN

Mixed-methods longitudinal study.

SETTING

University.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty-eight pain-free women were followed up over one year.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Those who developed PFP were interviewed within one month of the development of symptoms. Self-reported function, kinesiophobia, knee-related QoL, and physical activity were obtained at baseline and follow-up assessments.

RESULTS

Twenty-one women developed PFP. Most participants reported believing the increase in physical activity and/or sitting time was associated with the onset of PFP. Many reported believing symptoms would improve over time without any treatment. Only a small number of participants intended to seek care. Quantitatively, decreases in self-reported function and QoL, as well as increases in the physical activity level were observed after PFP development.

CONCLUSION

Although decreases in self-reported function and QoL were observed, women reported believing their PFP is self-limiting and do not need treatment. Strategies to accurately disseminate knowledge about PFP are needed to help stimulating early care.

Physical Activity Levels in Persons With Patellofemoral Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Pain and symptoms of patellofemoral pain (PFP) are often exacerbated during daily activities, which may result in reduced overall physical activity levels.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the evidence for physical activity levels among persons with PFP compared with pain-free controls.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Embase, CINHAL, Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus were searched from January 1, 2000 to February 22, 2024.

STUDY SELECTION

Peer-reviewed studies published in English that measured physical activity subjectively or objectively in persons with PFP and pain-free controls.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review with meta-analysis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 1.

DATA EXTRACTION

Standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% CI are reported based on Hedges' g effect sizes.

RESULTS

From 23,745 records, 41 studies met the eligibility criteria. There was high-to-moderate-certainty evidence that persons with PFP reported higher physical activity levels compared with pain-free controls using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (SMD, 0.27; 95% CI 0.03, 0.51), whereas lower physical activity levels compared with pain-free controls using the Tegner Activity Scale (SMD, -0.31; 95% CI -0.57, -0.04). There was low-to-moderate-certainty evidence that there was no group difference in physical activity levels using the Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire (SMD, 0.17; 95% CI -0.09, 0.44) or self-reported sports participation duration (SMD, -0.46; 95% CI -0.98, 0.05). There was high-certainty evidence that runners with PFP reported shorter running distances compared with pain-free runners (SMD, -0.36, 95% CI -0.57, -0.14). No data pooling was possible for objectively measured physical activity levels due to device heterogeneity (ie, different algorithms used to quantify the intensity of physical activity).

CONCLUSION

Self-reported physical activity levels among persons with PFP were inconsistent depending on the physical activity measurement tool used or which specific physical activity was measured. Clinicians should integrate multiple physical activity assessment tools to determine the extent to which PFP influences physical activity levels.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO #CRD42022314598.

Effects of pain exacerbation on postural control in women with patellofemoral pain during single leg squat: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The center of pressure (COP) excursion parameters are recognized as risk factors for the etiology and development of patellofemoral pain (PFP). The purpose of the present study measures the effect of pain exacerbation on COP excursion, and the correlation between pain intensity and COP excursion in women with PFP during single leg squat (SLS).

METHODS

Sixty patients with PFP participated in this cross-sectional study. The outcome measures were included pain intensity and COP excursion which evaluated in pre and post pain exacerbation during SLS. The COP parameters were evaluated during single leg squat in 60° of knee flexion. A paired t-test and MANOVA was used to compare pain intensity and COP excursion between the two conditions, respectively. Furthermore, A Pearson's correlation matrix was used to examine the relationship between pain intensity with COP excursion.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis showed that pain intensity (t = - 16.655, p < 0.001) and COP excursion (Wilks' Lambda = 0.225, p < 0.001) with medium effect size increased after PFJ loading. In addition, an excellent positive correlation was observed between increased in pain intensity and COP excursion (P < 0.001, r > 0.80).

CONCLUSION

After PFJ loading, women with PFP presented increases in the pain intensity, COP excursions, and sway velocity. In addition, there was an association between the increase in pain intensity and COP excursions. Clinicians aiming to improve postural control of patients with PFP could use kinesio taping as a short-term intervention and balance training to improvements in postural control at medium and long-term. Furthermore, emphasizing psychological factors to reducing kinesiophobia can be useful to restoring proper movement pattern, reducing pain and improving symptoms.

The Influence of Psychological Factors on Physical Activity in Individuals With Patellofemoral Pain

CONTEXT

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a prevalent chronic condition characterized by retropatellar or peripatellar pain exacerbated by various knee flexion-based activities. Previous research has highlighted the impact of psychological constructs on pain and function in chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions, yet their influence on physical activity in PFP cohorts remains unexplored. We aimed to evaluate whether pain self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing predict variations in steps per day and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among individuals with PFP.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional observational study.

METHODS

Thirty-nine participants (11 males) with PFP were included. Dependent variables were steps per day and minutes of MVPA. Independent variables were pain self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing, measured by the pain self-efficacy questionnaire and the pain catastrophizing scale. Participants were given an ActiGraph wGT3X-BT for 7 days to assess physical activity. Correlations were assessed between psychological measures and physical activity, and a simple linear regression was performed on psychological variables that correlated with physical activity. Alpha was set a priori at P < .05.

RESULTS

Pain self-efficacy scores displayed a moderate association with steps per day (rho = .45, P = .004) and a weak association with MVPA (rho = .38, P = .014). Pain catastrophizing scores exhibited no significant associations with physical activity (P < .05). Regression models affirmed pain self-efficacy scores as significant predictors of both steps per day (F1,37 = 10.30, P = .002) and MVPA (F1,37 = 8.98, P = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological measures continue to demonstrate value to clinicians treating PFP. Pain self-efficacy scores were moderately associated with steps per day and weakly associated with MVPA, explaining nearly a fifth of the variation in physical activity. Clinicians should prioritize the assessment of pain self-efficacy when treating individuals with PFP, potentially employing psychological interventions to improve physical activity in the PFP population.

Relationship between exacerbating patellofemoral pain and dynamic knee valgus in females with patellofemoral pain after a patellofemoral joint loading protocol: A cross-sectional

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study is to 1) the effect of exacerbating patellofemoral pain (PFP) on dynamic knee valgus (DKV) 2) the relationship between exacerbating PFP and DKV in females with patellofemoral pain.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Sixty women with PFP were recruited from the orthopedic clinics. We evaluated pain intensity and DKV in two conditions without (condition 1) and with (condition 2) PFJ loading during the single-leg squat (SLS) task. The MANOVA test was used to compare pain intensity and DKV angle between the two conditions. Furthermore, the Pearson correlation was used to examine the correlation between pain intensity with DKV angle.

RESULTS

The MANOVA analysis showed that pain intensity (P < 0.000, η2 = 0.623) and DKV angle (P < 0.000, η2 = 0.544) with a medium effect size significantly increased after PFJ loading. Furthermore, an excellent positive correlation was observed between an increase in pain intensity and DKV angle (P < 0.000, r = 0.840).

CONCLUSION

It seems that after the PFJ loading protocol and the subsequent pain exacerbation, the neuromuscular biomechanics of the lower limb are deficits. As a result, the stabilizing muscles activation decreases and increases the lower limb movement in the frontal plane.

Bidirectional correlation between gastroesophageal reflux disease and sleep problems: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and sleep problems are highly prevalent among the general population. Both them are associated with a variety of psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety, which is highlighting an underexplored connection between them. This meta-analysis aims to explore the association between sleep problems and GERD.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search on PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science, using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and keywords, covering articles from the inception of the databases until August 2023. Stata statistical software, version 14.0, was utilized for all statistical analyses. A fixed-effects model was applied when p > 0.1 and I2 ≤ 50%, while a random-effects model was employed for high heterogeneity (p < 0.1 and I2 > 50%). Funnel plots and Egger's test were used to assess publication bias.

Results

Involving 22 studies, our meta-analysis revealed that insomnia, sleep disturbance, or short sleep duration significantly increased the risk of GERD (OR = 2.02, 95% CI [1.64-2.49], p < 0.001; I2 = 66.4%; OR = 1.98, 95% CI [1.58-2.50], p < 0.001, I2 = 50.1%; OR = 2.66, 95% CI [2.02-3.15], p < 0.001; I2 = 62.5%, respectively). GERD was associated with an elevated risk of poor sleep quality (OR = 1.47, 95% CI [1.47-1.79], p < 0.001, I2 = 72.4%), sleep disturbance (OR = 1.47, 95% CI [1.24-1.74], p < 0.001, I2 = 71.6%), or short sleep duration (OR = 1.17, 95% CI [1.12-1.21], p < 0.001, I2 = 0).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis establishes a bidirectional relationship between four distinct types of sleep problems and GERD. The findings offer insights for the development of innovative approaches in the treatment of both GERD and sleep problems.

Pain and disability were related to Y-balance test but not with proprioception acuity and single-leg triple-hop test in patients with patellofemoral pain: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Patellofemoral pain is a common complaint between physically active subjects. Patients with patellofemoral pain present limitations to performing daily activities. Pain could alter proprioceptive acuity and lead to movement impairment. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of pain and disability with proprioception acuity and physical performance in patients with patellofemoral pain.

METHODS

Forty-eight patients with patellofemoral pain [age 31.15 (5.91) years; 30 (62.50%) males] were recruited. Data collected included pain intensity, pain duration, disability, joint position sense (JPS) test at 20° and 60° of knee flexion, and physical performance tests (Single-Leg Triple-Hop Test and Y- Balance Test). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed to assess the relationship between the variables.

RESULTS

Pain intensity was correlated with Y-Balance Test posteromedial component (rs = -0.32, 95%CI = -0.55 to -0.03, p = 0.029) and the composite score (rs = -0.35, 95%CI = -0.58, -0.07, p = 0.015). Pain duration was correlated with Y-Balance Test posterolateral component (rs = -0.23, 95% CI = -0.53 to -0.01, p = 0.047). Disability was correlated with Y-Balance Test posteromedial component (rs = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.14 to 0.62, p = 0.004). Pain and disability were not correlated with JPS and the Single-Leg Triple-Hop Test.

CONCLUSION

Pain and disability were related to Y-Balance Test but not to proprioceptive acuity and Single-Leg Triple-Hop Test in patients with patellofemoral pain.

Effect of movement-evoked and tonic experimental pain on muscle force production

INTRODUCTION

When performing an exercise or a functional test, pain that is evoked by movement or muscle contraction could be a stronger stimulus for changing how individuals move compared to tonic pain. We investigated whether the decrease in muscle force production is larger when experimentally-induced knee pain is directly associated to the torque produced (movement-evoked) compared to a constant painful stimulation (tonic).

METHODS

Twenty-one participants performed three isometric knee extension maximal voluntary contractions without pain (baseline), during pain, and after pain. Knee pain was induced using sinusoidal electrical stimuli at 10 Hz over the infrapatellar fat pad, applied continuously or modulated proportionally to the knee extension torque. Peak torque and contraction duration were averaged across repetitions and normalized to baseline.

RESULTS

During tonic pain, participants reported lower pain intensity during the contraction than at rest (p < 0.001), whereas pain intensity increased with contraction during movement-evoked pain (p < 0.001). Knee extension torque decreased during both pain conditions (p < 0.001), but a larger reduction was observed during movement-evoked compared to tonic pain (p < 0.001). Participants produced torque for longer during tonic compared to movement-evoked pain (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that movement-evoked pain was a more potent stimulus to reduce knee extension torque than tonic pain. The longer contraction time observed during tonic pain may be a result of a lower perceived pain intensity during muscle contraction. Overall, our results suggest different motor adaptation to tonic and movement-evoked pain and support the notion that motor adaptation to pain is a purposeful strategy to limit pain. This mechanistic evidence suggests that individuals experiencing prevalently tonic or movement-evoked pain may exhibit different motor adaptations, which may be important for exercise prescription.

Patellar malalignment: A common disorder associated with knee pain

Pain-associated knee joint disorders are common in daily life. Practically, knee pain should be divided into the origin from the isolated tibiofemoral (TF), isolated patellofemoral (PF) joint, or a combination thereof. The TF joint controls the actions of level walking, while the PF joint controls knee flexion-extension. Owing to its sufficient inherent stability, non-traumatic disorders of the isolated TF joint in young individuals are uncommon. In contrast, because of its insufficient inherent stability, non-traumatic disorders of the isolated PF joint are common in young individuals. Patellar malalignment (PM) associated with knee pain is common in all age groups, and the most common predisposing factor is imbalanced peripatellar soft-tissue tension. The outward forces acting on the patella are caused by pulling from the quadriceps femoris during knee flexion to extension (manifested by the quadriceps angle [Q-angle]), and sliding backward of the iliotibial band (ITB) during knee extension to flexion. Once the muscle power of the vastus medialis (especially the vastus medialis obliquus [VMO]) decreases, which lowers the counteracting effect against outward forces, the patella displaces or rotates laterally. The reduced contact surface between the patella and the femoral condyle significantly increases the compressive pressure and injures the articular cartilage. Subsequently, progressive PF degeneration occurs. Although other factors may also cause PM, they are relatively uncommon. In principle, nonsurgical treatment of PM should be considered first, while surgical treatment should follow established indications. Some nonsurgical techniques are currently widely used that feature high satisfaction rates. Surgical techniques are continuously being developed, and their success rates have gradually improved. This study aimed to review the current literature for relevant studies and report related publications of the author's institution to emphasize the universality and importance of PM management. Conceptually, simply focusing on problems of the TF joint cannot treat all knee disorders.

Influence of self-perceived disability on squatting kinematics in individuals with patellofemoral pain

BACKGROUND

Individuals with patellofemoral pain have a heterogeneous presentation of symptoms during functional tasks; however, biomechanical data often negates self-reported disability. The single leg squat is common in patellofemoral pain literature but may not be a pain provoking task for all individuals. Therefore, our study examined the influence of self-perceived squatting disability in individuals with patellofemoral pain on lower extremity squatting kinematics.

METHODS

We analyzed two-dimensional hip frontal plane projection angle, knee frontal plane projection angle, lateral trunk movement, and pelvic drop in 100 participants, 82 with patellofemoral pain and 18 pain-free controls. Participants with patellofemoral pain were dichotomized based on the level of disability reported during squatting on the anterior knee pain scale. An analysis of variance with post hoc testing was used to compare differences in lower extremity and trunk kinematics between groups, p < 0.05.

FINDINGS

Participants who reported only being able to squat with partial weight bearing had greater hip frontal plane projection angles than those who reported squatting painful each time (p = 0.017). The partial weight bearing group had greater knee frontal plane projection angles compared those who reported pain with repeated squatting and the pain-free group, (p < 0.034). We found no significant differences in lateral trunk motion or pelvic drop between groups.

INTERPRETATION

Individuals with patellofemoral pain who self-reported worse squatting disability had greater hip and knee frontal plane motion compared to individuals with less disability and pain-free controls. Clinicians and researchers should consider specific pain provoking tasks when evaluating and treating patients with patellofemoral pain.

Lower extremity muscle volume in females with patellofemoral pain and its relationships to hip and knee torque: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

Compare lower extremity muscle volume in females with patellofemoral pain (PFP) to a cohort of pain-free females and investigate the relationship between thigh and hip muscle volume and torque.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-one females, 13 with PFP and 8 pain-free controls.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We quantified normalized lower extremity muscle volume (cm3/kg*m) via magnetic resonance imaging and isometric hip and thigh torque (Nm/kg) via a multimodal dynamometer.

RESULTS

Versus pain-free individuals, females with PFP had smaller muscle volume of the anterior hip (P < 0.019; d = 0.97-2.42), deep external rotators (P < 0.006; d = 1.0-3.93), hamstrings (P < 0.009; d = 1.09-2.12), rectus femoris (P < 0.001; d = 1.79), and vastus intermedius (P < 0.001; d = 1.88). There was no difference in muscle volume of the gluteus maximus (P = 0.311; d = 0.22), gluteus medius (P = 0.087; d = 0.87), vastus lateralis (P = 0.22; d = 0.39), and vastus medialis (P = 0.47; d = 0.04). Gluteus maximus volume was moderately correlated to hip abduction torque (r = 0.60; P = 0.03). Vasti muscles and semitendinosus volume were moderately correlated to knee extension (r = 0.57-0.69; P < 0.05) and flexion (r = 0.66; P = 0.01) torque, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Females with PFP present with lesser thigh and hip muscle volumes, with variability in volumetric profiles across participants. Lower extremity knee extension and hip abduction strength are moderately associated with the vasti and gluteus maximus muscle volume, respectively.

The Comparison of Psychological Barriers Between Individuals with a History of Anterior Knee Pain, Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, and Healthy Individuals

Background

Psychological barriers due to anterior knee pain (AKP) and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) may have a direct impact on an individual's return to physical activity. A comprehensive understanding of these psychological barriers in individuals with AKP and ACLR may help clinicians to develop and implement better treatment strategies to address deficits that may exist in these individuals.

Hypothesis/Purpose

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate fear-avoidance, kinesiophobia, and pain catastrophizing in individuals with AKP and ACLR compared with healthy individuals. The secondary purpose was to directly compare psychological characteristics between the AKP and ACLR groups. It was hypothesized that 1) individuals with AKP and ACLR would self-report worse psychosocial function than healthy individuals and 2) the extent of the psychosocial impairments between the two knee pathologies would be similar.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

Eighty-three participants (28 AKP, 26 ACLR, and 29 healthy individuals) were analyzed in this study. Fear avoidance belief questionnaire (FABQ) with the physical activity (FABQ-PA) and sport (FABQ-S) subscales, Tampa scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11) and pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) assessed psychological characteristics. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare the FABQ-PA, FABQ-S, TSK-11, and PCS scores across the three groups. Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to determine where group differences occurred. Effect sizes (ES) were calculated with the Mann-Whitney U z-score divided by the square root of the sample size.

Results

Individuals with AKP or ACLR had significantly worse psychological barriers compared to the healthy individuals for all questionnaires (FABQ-PA, FABQ-S, TSK-11, and PCS) (p<0.001, ES>0.86). There were no differences between the AKP and ACLR groups (p≥0.67), with a medium ES (-0.33) in the FABQ-S between AKP and ACLR groups.

Conclusion

Greater psychological scores indicate impaired psychological readiness to perform physical activity. Clinicians should be aware of fear-related beliefs following knee-related injuries and are encouraged to measure psychological factors during the rehabilitation process.

Level of Evidence

2.

Kinematic and Kinetic Gait Characteristics in People with Patellofemoral Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a prevalent knee condition with many proposed biomechanically orientated etiological factors and treatments.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to systematically review and synthesize the evidence for biomechanical variables (spatiotemporal, kinematic, kinetic) during walking and running in people with PFP compared with pain-free controls, and determine if biomechanical variables contribute to the development of PFP.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

We searched Medline, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Embase, and Web of Science from inception to October 2021.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES

All study designs (prospective, case-control [± interventional component, provided pre-intervention data were reported for both groups], cross-sectional) comparing spatiotemporal, kinematic, and/or kinetic variables during walking and/or running between people with and without PFP.

RESULTS

We identified 55 studies involving 1300 people with PFP and 1393 pain-free controls. Overall pooled analysis identified that people with PFP had slower gait velocity [moderate evidence, standardized mean difference (SMD) - 0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) - 0.72, - 0.27], lower cadence (limited evidence, SMD - 0.43, 95% CI - 0.74, - 0.12), and shorter stride length (limited evidence, SMD - 0.46, 95% CI - 0.80, - 0.12). People with PFP also had greater peak contralateral pelvic drop (moderate evidence, SMD - 0.46, 95% CI - 0.90, - 0.03), smaller peak knee flexion angles (moderate evidence, SMD - 0.30, 95% CI - 0.52, - 0.08), and smaller peak knee extension moments (limited evidence, SMD - 0.41, 95% CI - 0.75, - 0.07) compared with controls. Females with PFP had greater peak hip flexion (moderate evidence, SMD 0.83, 95% CI 0.30, 1.36) and rearfoot eversion (limited evidence, SMD 0.59, 95% CI 0.03, 1.14) angles compared to pain-free females. No significant between-group differences were identified for all other biomechanical variables. Data pooling was not possible for prospective studies.

CONCLUSION

A limited number of biomechanical differences exist when comparing people with and without PFP, mostly characterized by small-to-moderate effect sizes. People with PFP ambulate slower, with lower cadence and a shortened stride length, greater contralateral pelvic drop, and lower knee flexion angles and knee extension moments. It is unclear whether these features are present prior to PFP onset or occur as pain-compensatory movement strategies given the lack of prospective data.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO # CRD42019080241.

A fused biometrics information graph convolutional neural network for effective classification of patellofemoral pain syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common, yet misunderstood, knee pathology. Early accurate diagnosis can help avoid the deterioration of the disease. However, the existing intelligent auxiliary diagnosis methods of PFPS mainly focused on the biosignal of individuals but neglected the common biometrics of patients. In this paper, we propose a PFPS classification method based on the fused biometrics information Graph Convolution Neural Networks (FBI-GCN) which focuses on both the biosignal information of individuals and the common characteristics of patients. The method first constructs a graph which uses each subject as a node and fuses the biometrics information (demographics and gait biosignal) of different subjects as edges. Then, the graph and node information [biosignal information, including the joint kinematics and surface electromyography (sEMG)] are used as the inputs to the GCN for diagnosis and classification of PFPS. The method is tested on a public dataset which contain walking and running data from 26 PFPS patients and 15 pain-free controls. The results suggest that our method can classify PFPS and pain-free with higher accuracy (mean accuracy = 0.8531 ± 0.047) than other methods with the biosignal information of individuals as input (mean accuracy = 0.813 ± 0.048). After optimal selection of input variables, the highest classification accuracy (mean accuracy = 0.9245 ± 0.034) can be obtained, and a high accuracy can still be obtained with a 40% reduction in test variables (mean accuracy = 0.8802 ± 0.035). Accordingly, the method effectively reflects the association between subjects, provides a simple and effective aid for physicians to diagnose PFPS, and gives new ideas for studying and validating risk factors related to PFPS.