Effect of Core Exercises on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Effect of Adding Core Exercises to Hip and Knee-focused Exercises on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

the goal of this interventional study is to Investigate the effect of core strengthening exercises on pain, strength, function, and balance in patients with PFPS.

Purpose: Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a frequent musculoskeletal disorder, which can result from core muscles instability that can lead to pain, function and altered dynamic balance. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of core muscle strengthening on pain, function, strength and dynamic balance in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Subjects and Methods: Forty-four patients with age ranging from 18 to 35 years with patellofemoral pain syndrome will be divided into study (N=22) and control (N=22) groups. Both groups will be given 6 weeks of conventional physical therapy program and an additional core muscle strengthening for the study group. The tools are being used to assess the outcome are 1- Visual Analogue Scale,2- handheld dynamometer,3-AKPS 4- BIODEX Balance.

Hypotheses:

It will be hypothesized that:

1. There is no effect of core strengthening exercises on pain in treating PFPS.
2. There is no effect of core strengthening exercises on muscle strength in treating PFPS.
3. There is no effect of core strengthening exercises on function in treating PFPS.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients of both genders with an age range of 18- 35 years old.

2. Gradual development of pain in the front of the knee lasting more than 12 weeks.

3. Patients with body mass index 18- 25 kg m2.

4. Pain is aggravated by at least 2 of the following activities: jumping, running, prolonged sitting, stair climbing, kneeling, and squatting.

   1. Positive patellar grinding test.
   2. Insidious onset of symptoms, unrelated to a traumatic damage.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Traumatic patellar subluxation or dislocation.
2. A history of any of the following conditions: meniscal or other intra articular pathologic conditions; cruciate or collateral ligament involvement.
3. Any lower limb bony or congenital deformities.
4. Previous knee and hip joint surgeries.
5. Osteoarthritis in the ankle, knee, or hip joints.
6. Conditions that affect muscle strength such as diabetes mellitus or rheumatoid arthritis.