Meta‐analyses showed no significant changes in strength for any of the interventions . •
BACKGROUND : The addition of hip strengthening to knee strengthening for persons with patellofemoral pain has the potential to optimize treatment effects .
OBJECTIVE : To examine the efficacy of hip strengthening , associated or not with knee strengthening , to increase strength , reduce pain , and improve activity in individuals with patellofemoral pain .
The Effects of Quadriceps Strengthening on Pain, Function, and Patellofemoral Joint Contact Area in Persons with Patellofemoral Pain
Objective Patellar malalignment is a major cause of patellofemoral pain syndrome ( PFPS ) , but the relationship between clinical symptoms and changes in patellar position and knee muscle strength has not been confirmed . This study examined the effect of weight training on hip and knee muscle strength , patellofemoral joint contact area , and patellar tilt on subjects with and without PFPS , hoping to develop an optimal rehabilitation protocol for subjects with PFPS . Design The study uses a prospect i ve independent group comparison . Fifteen subjects with and without PFPS were assessed for knee strength , patellofemoral joint contact area , and patellar tilt angle using magnetic resonance imaging . The subjects with PFPS were also examined and given a numeric pain rating score and a Kujala patellofemoral score . The subjects performed lower-limb weight training 3 times/wk for 8 wks , and the outcomes were assessed both before and after training . Results Subjects with PFPS have increased their patellofemoral joint contact area after weight training ( P < 0.001 ) . No statistical significant change was found on the patellar tilt angle . The isometric and isokinetic knee strength in subjects with and without PFPS have increased after weight training ( P value increased from 0.007 to 0.05 ) . Both numeric pain rating and Kujala patellofemoral score in the PFPS group improved after training ( P < 0.001 ) . Conclusions Weight-training exercise increased knee muscle strength and the patellofemoral joint contact area , which could reduce mechanical stress in the joint , improving pain and function in subjects with PFPS
Meta‐analyses showed no significant changes in strength for any of the interventions . •
BACKGROUND : The addition of hip strengthening to knee strengthening for persons with patellofemoral pain has the potential to optimize treatment effects .
OBJECTIVE : To examine the efficacy of hip strengthening , associated or not with knee strengthening , to increase strength , reduce pain , and improve activity in individuals with patellofemoral pain .