In PFPS rehabilitation, which gait modification is recommended to reduce patellofemoral joint load?

• A. Forefoot strike
• B. Increase cadence
• C. Decrease stride length
• D. Cue to reduce peak hip adduction

Answer: (B)

Increasing cadence during walking or running reduces patellofemoral joint load in PFPS rehabilitation. When you take more steps per minute with shorter steps, the knee spends less time in deeper flexion during early stance and the knee extensor moment is lower. This combination lowers the compressive force on the patellofemoral joint, easing stress on the kneecap as you move. In practice, patients are often coached to raise their step rate by about 10% to start, focusing on quicker, light steps rather than longer strides while maintaining overall speed. While changing foot strike or shortening stride alone can influence loading, increasing cadence provides a simple, reliable way to reduce PFJ load across typical gait patterns.