Exploring Electroencephalographic Brain Adaptations in People with Chronic Patellofemoral Pain: A Cross-Sectional Control Study
Authors List
Parton, W., University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
Rathnayake, D., University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
Woodley, S., University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
Blyth, P., University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
Mathew, J., University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
Introduction
Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition characterised by diffuse anterior knee pain aggravated by activities that load the patellofemoral joint. In over half of cases, symptoms persist more than five years post-treatment, imposing a significant physical and psychological burden (Rathleff et al., 2012). Although both peripheral and central sensitisation are implicated in PFP, the associated brain changes and their relationship to pain experience remain poorly understood (Bartholomew et al., 2019).
Aims
This study investigated the differences in resting-state cortical activity between individuals with chronic PFP and healthy controls using source-localised electroencephalography (EEG).
Methods
A cohort of 10 individuals with chronic PFP and 10 demographically-matched healthy controls was recruited from the community. Each participant completed a 10-minute resting-state EEG recording, which was then subsequently decomposed into infraslow frequency to gamma frequency bands. Differences in EEG activity were then examined using standard low-resolution electromagnetic brain tomography statistical non-parametric mapping.
Results
The PFP group showed a significant reduction (p = 0.035) in infraslow band activity over the right middle frontal gyrus compared to controls. They also demonstrated increased (p = 0.035) delta band activity over the left insula, right anterior cingulate, and the right superior & medial frontal gyri, compared to controls.
Conclusions
In conclusion, individuals with PFP exhibit significant alterations in the slow-propagating waves in the key cortical regions involved in pain modulation and regulation. These findings provide critical insights into the neural mechanisms of chronic PFP and may support the development of future targeted, non-invasive neuromodulatory interventions.
References
Bartholomew, C., Lack, S., & Neal, B. (2019). Altered pain processing and sensitisation is evident in adults with patellofemoral pain: a systematic review including meta-analysis and meta-regression. Scandinavian Journal of Pain, 20(1), 11-27. https://doi.org/10.1515/sjpain-2019-0079
Rathleff, M. S., Rasmussen, S., & Olesen, J. L. (2012). Unsatisfactory long-term prognosis of conservative treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome. Ugeskrift for laeger, 174(15), 1008-1013.
Abbreviations
PFP: patellofemoral pain
EEG: electroencephalography
Parton, W., University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
Rathnayake, D., University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
Woodley, S., University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
Blyth, P., University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
Mathew, J., University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
Introduction
Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition characterised by diffuse anterior knee pain aggravated by activities that load the patellofemoral joint. In over half of cases, symptoms persist more than five years post-treatment, imposing a significant physical and psychological burden (Rathleff et al., 2012). Although both peripheral and central sensitisation are implicated in PFP, the associated brain changes and their relationship to pain experience remain poorly understood (Bartholomew et al., 2019).
Aims
This study investigated the differences in resting-state cortical activity between individuals with chronic PFP and healthy controls using source-localised electroencephalography (EEG).
Methods
A cohort of 10 individuals with chronic PFP and 10 demographically-matched healthy controls was recruited from the community. Each participant completed a 10-minute resting-state EEG recording, which was then subsequently decomposed into infraslow frequency to gamma frequency bands. Differences in EEG activity were then examined using standard low-resolution electromagnetic brain tomography statistical non-parametric mapping.
Results
The PFP group showed a significant reduction (p = 0.035) in infraslow band activity over the right middle frontal gyrus compared to controls. They also demonstrated increased (p = 0.035) delta band activity over the left insula, right anterior cingulate, and the right superior & medial frontal gyri, compared to controls.
Conclusions
In conclusion, individuals with PFP exhibit significant alterations in the slow-propagating waves in the key cortical regions involved in pain modulation and regulation. These findings provide critical insights into the neural mechanisms of chronic PFP and may support the development of future targeted, non-invasive neuromodulatory interventions.
References
Bartholomew, C., Lack, S., & Neal, B. (2019). Altered pain processing and sensitisation is evident in adults with patellofemoral pain: a systematic review including meta-analysis and meta-regression. Scandinavian Journal of Pain, 20(1), 11-27. https://doi.org/10.1515/sjpain-2019-0079
Rathleff, M. S., Rasmussen, S., & Olesen, J. L. (2012). Unsatisfactory long-term prognosis of conservative treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome. Ugeskrift for laeger, 174(15), 1008-1013.
Abbreviations
PFP: patellofemoral pain
EEG: electroencephalography
