Proprioceptive Training vs. Hip Abductor With External Rotator Strengthening in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by an insidious onset of pain in the knee's anterior /retro-patellar / peripatellar region. Even though various rehabilitation approaches, including hip strengthening and proprioceptive training, are being considered for managing PFPS, the most appropriate treatment from these two is still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the program consisting of hip abductors and external rotators strengthening exercises vs. the program consisting of proprioceptive training of the knee to identify the most effective rehabilitation approach for patients suffering from PFPS.

Official Title
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Effects of Proprioceptive Training vs. Hip Abductor With External Rotator Strengthening on Pain and Functions in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Conditions
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Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Hip strengthening exercises
* Other: Proprioceptive training
* Other: Conventional physical therapy


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Age 18-35 years Patients diagnosed recently by an orthopedic surgeon for Patello-femoral pain syndrome experiencing anterior/retro patellar knee pain during activities, insidious onset of symptoms not linked to trauma, pain persisting for no less than four weeks, pain on palpation of the patellar facets, pain when stepping down from a 25-cm step or during a double-legged squat. Exclusion Criteria: Patients with recent lower limb fractures or dislocations, knee/hip joint surgery, signs, symptoms, or radiological findings of intra-articular pathology such as effusion, ligamentous or meniscal involvement, those with indications of patellar apprehension, referred pain from the hip, back, or sacroiliac joint, acute knee strain or sprain, on medication such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids, degenerative and infectious arthritis

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 35 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Experimental group 1<br>In this group participants received hip abductor and external rotator strengthening exercises in addition to conventional physical therapy. | Other: Hip strengthening exercises<br>* Hip abductor and external rotator strengthening exercises were performed for 4 weeks.<br>|
| Active Comparator: Experimental group 2<br>In this group participants received proprioceptive training and conventional physical therapy. | Other: Proprioceptive training<br>* Proprioceptive training consisted of eight exercises was performed for 4 weeks.<br>|
| Active Comparator: Control group<br>In this group participants received conventional physical therapy alone. | Other: Conventional physical therapy<br>* Conventional physical therapy included interferential therapy and two types of knee-strengthening exercises.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS) | Pain was measured using the AKPS. The AKPS is scored from a minimum score of 0 to a maximum score of 100 points. Lower scores indicate greater pain and disability. | 4 weeks. | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Hip muscles strengthening, Rehabilitation, Proprioceptive training, Exercises