Clamshells Exercise and Vastrus Medialis Oblique Strengthening Exercise on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Comparative Effects of Clamshells Exercise and Vastrus Medialis Oblique Strengthening Exercise on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

PFPS, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition that primarily affects adolescents and young adults. When engaging in various activities, such as stair climbing, running, jumping, kneeling, or prolonged sitting, it is characterized by aching pain in the peripatellar region. Any disruption of these would result in abnormal PFJ overloading. Normal patellar tracking on the trochlea groove relies on the coordination and balance of many structures, including soft tissues, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and the shape of articular surfaces around the knee joint. Research in a variety of fields has received support the therapeutic exercise known as "clamshells" for stabilizing the pelvis by strengthening the hip abductors and external rotators.VMO strengthening exercises are also essential in keeping the patella in the trochlear groove and lowering the lateral vector force on the patellofemoral joint. This research aims to evaluate the effects of clamshells exercise and Vastrus medialis oblique strengthening exercise in patients with Patellofemoral pain syndrome.

The study would be randomized clinical trial. Total fourty two subjects will be assigned randomly by using lottery method into two groups. Group A will be given clamshell exercise with baseline treatment while Group B will receive targeted vastrus medialis oblique strengthening exercise with baseline treatment. After confirmation of diagnosis with physical examination as well as zohlar's test /20 cm step down test are recommended. Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and Lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) would be used as an outcome measure tools for pain and functional limitation respectively. Measurements will be taken at (Baseline and at the end of treatment session). The collected data will be analyzed in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 25.0. Parametric/non-parametric tests will be applied after testing normality of data.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 to 40years
• Both Genders (male & female)
• Unilateral or bilateral knee pain for at least 1-3 month,
• Pain provoked by at least 3 functional activities ( ascending/descending stairs, kneeling, jumping, running, squatting,hopping,prolonged sitting)
• Average NPRS score above 3 out of 10 during previous week.
• Knee pain on stepping down from 20cm step height.

Exclusion Criteria

• Previous history of patellar subluxation or dislocation
• Knee surgery within previous year
• History of knee joint pathologies ( meniscus,ligament injuries,)
• Any fracture of lower extremity
• Massive effusion/any abnormal deformity of knee joint.