Effects of proprioceptive exercises and strengthening on pain and functionality for patellofemoral pain syndrome in women: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to verify the effects of resisted and proprioceptive exercises program for the treatment of patients diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

Design method: Randomized Controlled Trial - level of evidence, II.

Methods: Sixty female patients, clinically diagnosed with PFPS, were allocated into two experimental groups. The exercise group (ExG) underwent 6 weeks of a resisted and proprioceptive exercises for the trunk muscles, abductors and lateral hip rotators and knee extensors. The Guidance Group (GG) received educational, cognitive and behavioral guidance on healthcare. Before and after the program implementation period, all participants were evaluated in relation to the injured limb for pain assessment, subjective functionality, maximum isometric strength and 2D biomechanical analysis.

Results: After a six-week follow-up, ExG showed significant improvement in the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Anterior Knee Pain Scale and Knee Outcome Survey- Activities of Daily Living Scale when compared to the control group (p ≤ 0,05). The ExG also proved superior for increased muscle strength of knee extensors, hip abductors, decreased dynamic knee valgus and pelvic drop in relation to GG (p ≤ 0.05). However, when we consider the strength of the hip lateral rotator muscles there was no difference between the two interventions (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Resisted and proprioceptive exercises yielded superior results to those of a treatment focused on educational, cognitive and behavioral guidance in improving pain and lower limb function for women with PFPS.

Keywords: Knee joint; Patellofemoral pain syndrome; Proprioceptive exercises; Skeletal muscle; Strength training.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

© 2021 Delhi Orthopedic Association. All rights reserved.

Figures

Fig. 1

Flow diagram of study patients.