Pilates-based Core Strengthening on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Incorporation of Pilates-based Core Strengthening Exercises Into the Rehabilitation Protocol for Adolescents With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common musculoskeletal pain conditions that tend to become a chronic problem. PFPS is common among young adolescents, particularly in physically active individuals aged 12 to 17 years old with more prevalence among females, as it affects females 1.5 - 3 times when compared to males.

Adolescents with PFPS usually complain of retro-patellar pain (behind the kneecap) or peripatellar pain (around the kneecap) and crepitation in the knee joint, and also there is discomfort while sitting with a flexed knee for a long time. Symptoms are usually exacerbated by activities that increase the load on patellofemoral joints such as weight-bearing activities, squatting, walking up or downstairs, and running.

PFPS takes place whenever the muscles around the knee fail to keep the kneecap properly aligned, leading to abnormal lateral tracking of the patella.Overuse such as running and jumping sports, the trauma of kneecaps such as fracture, dislocation, or knee surgery may also predispose to PFPS.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pain felt anterior to knee joint.
• Pain felt retro-patellar.
• Pain felt during rest and increased with activities like prolonged sitting, squatting, running, and stair climbing.
• Insidious onset lasting for more than 6 weeks.
• Without any traumatic incidence.
• Not participating in a physical therapy program for the past three months.

Exclusion Criteria:

• If they had a meniscal tear.
• Cruciate/collateral ligaments involvement.
• Knee osteoarthritis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• A history of knee or hip surgery.
• Patellar dislocation/subluxation.
• Traction apophysitis encompassing the patellofemoral complex.
• Any pathology in the patellar tendon.
• Spinal referred pain.