Comparison of the Effect of Two Methods of Muscular Exercise Therapy on Pain Relief, Functional Abilities and Static Balance in patients with Chronic Patellofemoral Pain

Physiotherapists often use general quadriceps strengthening methods for improving pain and function in chronic patellofemoral pain patients. Because chronic patellofemoral pain is mainly caused by atrophy of medial quadriceps, it seems that preferential strengthening of this muscle part, if possible, can lead to positive clinical results. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of general quadriceps strengthening and preferential strengthening of the medial quadriceps on pain, functional ability and static balance in patients with chronic patellofemoral pain.
In this quasi-experimental research, 60 females with chronic patellofemoral pain were randomly selected and were divided to 3 groups. general quadriceps strengthening group were participated in general quadriceps strengthening exercises as 2 days a week and every day 3 exercises, and preferential strengthening group were participated in preferential strengthening exercises of the medial quadriceps as 3 days a week and every day 3 exercises, both for 8 weak. Assessment of pain, functional ability and static balance were respectively measured by Visual Analogue Scale and WOMAC scale, and Sharpend Romberg test, before and after 8 weeks. Data were analyzed at SPSS V.21 by repeated measures analysis of variance, and paired t tests at significance level of 0.05.
Both training methods were induced to decrease in rest pain (p0.05).
Contrary to common therapeutic approaches in rehabilitation centers, selective strengthening exercises to strengthen total quadriceps muscle group is strongly recommended for improving pain, functional ability and static balance of patients with chronic patellofemoral pain.