In clients with PFPS, what is a common issue with the VMO?

In clients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), a common issue is that the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscle is weak and may demonstrate improper firing timing. The VMO plays a crucial role in stabilizing the patella during knee movement, particularly during activities that require bending the knee, such as squatting or climbing stairs. When the VMO is weak, it may fail to effectively control the position of the patella, leading to misalignment and increased stress on the knee joint, which contributes to pain and other symptoms associated with PFPS.

Improper firing timing refers to the delayed activation of the VMO compared to other muscles, such as the vastus lateralis. This delay can disrupt the balance of forces around the knee, exacerbating issues related to patellar tracking and contributing to the pain experienced by individuals with PFPS.

The other options do not accurately reflect the common muscular issues associated with the VMO in PFPS. Hyperactivity or excessive flexibility of the muscle would not typically contribute to the condition, nor would a complete lack of relation to pain, as there is a clear connection between the function of the VMO and the pain experienced in PFPS.