Effects of a Squatting With Hip Adduction in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

The Therapeutic Effects of a Dynamics Closed Kinetic Chain Exercise Combination With Hip Adduction in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

An imbalance in the activation and onset time of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles may be one of the primary causes of PFPS. Several studies have discussed various exercise methods believed to selectively contract the (VMO) muscle for treating patellofemoral pain syndrome. VMO activity is higher during static closed-chain tasks combined with hip adduction, indicating that performing hip adduction exercises may selectively strengthen the VMO muscle.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) poses challenges in motor control and pain management, especially regarding balanced muscle activation of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL). This study introduces a home-based PFPS rehabilitation approach involving a squat exercise program with hip adduction, examining its effects on motor control and clinical outcomes. Thirty PFPS participants were randomly assigned to conventional squatting (SQU) or squatting with hip adduction (SQU-HA) groups. Participants performed exercises five days a week for 8 weeks, with pre- and post-assessments capturing clinical measures and motor control indicators using electromyography (EMG). This home-based program, integrating hip adduction into squats, enhances motor control, reduces knee stress, and improves daily function, ensuring continued care post-pandemic.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 20-50 years.
• Pain around the patella at least two of the following activities¬-standing up after prolonged sitting, going up and down the stairs, running, jumping, squatting, kneeling, and high-angle knee flexion for a long time.
• Knee joint pain for ≥3 months.
• Pain level of ≥ 30 mm on a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Had a history of patellar subluxation, dislocation, or knee surgery.
• Had central or peripheral neurological pathology.
• Had an obvious knee joint deformity or lower extremity malalignment.
• Experienced severe knee joint pain (VAS) score > 80 mm), or received nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, injections, or physical therapy within the past 3 months.