Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Rehabilitation Techniques
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Presenter(s)
Taylor A. Zimmerman
Abstract
Clinical Scenario: Patellofemoral pain syndrome is the most common cause of anterior knee pain and affects 25-40% of the active population. The etiology or cause of patellofemoral pain syndrome is unknown but has been tied to malalignment and muscular imbalances of the lower extremity, overactivity, or direct trauma. Most patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome can be treated with proper rehabilitation. This research study's purpose was to determine whether a quadricep or hip-focused rehabilitation program would be more effective in decreasing pain and improving function.
Clinical Question: In adults with patellofemoral pain, what is the effect of hip strengthening compared to knee strengthening on pain, function, and strength?
Search Strategy: PubMed was used to find articles. Seven articles were selected through key words such as “patellofemoral”, “hip”, and “knee”. Inclusion criteria were individuals ages of 16-45, insidious onset of symptoms not related to trauma, pain with compression of the patella and anterior or retro patellar knee pain during two or more activities. Exclusion criteria were a current significant lower limb injury, knee surgery, or other MRI confirmed pathological conditions.
Evidence Quality: Pedro scores were of 8/10 to 9/10 and Level 2 on the Oxford Levels of Evidence scale.
Results and Summary of Search: Five of six studies showed significant improvements in pain reduction, function, and strength with both the hip and knee and knee only rehabilitation groups (p
Clinical Bottom Line: Both hip and knee or knee only rehabilitation programs for PFPS have been shown to significantly reduce pain and improve function and strength. Despite neither rehabilitation protocol being more effective than the other, there seems to be an upward trend in favor of the hip and quadricep protocol. The SORT score is B.
Implications: Based on the findings of this study, Athletic Trainers should prescribe additional hip exercises to PFPS rehabilitation programs as it may provide pain relief sooner and reduce lower extremity malalignment. Weak hip abductors and external rotators are common in PFPS patients. By targeting these weak muscles, a patient’s lower extremity alignment improves and reduces stress on their patella joint due to a decrease in compressive forces. Additionally, future research should focus on the long-term effectiveness of these programs.
College
College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Department
Health, Exercise & Rehabilitative Sciences
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Nora Kraemer
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Format of Presentation or Performance
Pre-Recorded Video
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Rehabilitation Techniques
Clinical Scenario: Patellofemoral pain syndrome is the most common cause of anterior knee pain and affects 25-40% of the active population. The etiology or cause of patellofemoral pain syndrome is unknown but has been tied to malalignment and muscular imbalances of the lower extremity, overactivity, or direct trauma. Most patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome can be treated with proper rehabilitation. This research study's purpose was to determine whether a quadricep or hip-focused rehabilitation program would be more effective in decreasing pain and improving function.
Clinical Question: In adults with patellofemoral pain, what is the effect of hip strengthening compared to knee strengthening on pain, function, and strength?
Search Strategy: PubMed was used to find articles. Seven articles were selected through key words such as “patellofemoral”, “hip”, and “knee”. Inclusion criteria were individuals ages of 16-45, insidious onset of symptoms not related to trauma, pain with compression of the patella and anterior or retro patellar knee pain during two or more activities. Exclusion criteria were a current significant lower limb injury, knee surgery, or other MRI confirmed pathological conditions.
Evidence Quality: Pedro scores were of 8/10 to 9/10 and Level 2 on the Oxford Levels of Evidence scale.
Results and Summary of Search: Five of six studies showed significant improvements in pain reduction, function, and strength with both the hip and knee and knee only rehabilitation groups (p
Clinical Bottom Line: Both hip and knee or knee only rehabilitation programs for PFPS have been shown to significantly reduce pain and improve function and strength. Despite neither rehabilitation protocol being more effective than the other, there seems to be an upward trend in favor of the hip and quadricep protocol. The SORT score is B.
Implications: Based on the findings of this study, Athletic Trainers should prescribe additional hip exercises to PFPS rehabilitation programs as it may provide pain relief sooner and reduce lower extremity malalignment. Weak hip abductors and external rotators are common in PFPS patients. By targeting these weak muscles, a patient’s lower extremity alignment improves and reduces stress on their patella joint due to a decrease in compressive forces. Additionally, future research should focus on the long-term effectiveness of these programs.
