Rate of Force Development in Patellofemoral Pain Rehabilitation (ptpodcast.com)

• Rate of force development (RFD) is distinct from maximal strength.
• Females with PFP have hip RFD deficits without muscle morphology changes.
• Rehab should include explosive strength training for RFD improvement.

"This PT Inquest podcast episode explores the role of rate of force development (RFD) in patellofemoral pain (PFP) rehabilitation. RFD is often conflated with strength, but they are distinct constructs. A key study (Nunes et al., 2017) found that females with PFP have impaired hip RFD and strength without changes in gluteus medius/maximus morphology. Clinicians should consider RFD as a separate factor and incorporate explosive strength training into rehab protocols."