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

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

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.

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