Effects of Pelvic Tilt Exercises Along With Hip and Knee Focused Exercises on Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Effects of Pelvic Tilt Exercises Along With Hip and Knee Focused Exercises on Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

This study is designed as a Randomized Controlled Trial to be conducted at the CRC Department of Chaudhary Muhammad Akram Teaching and research Hospital, Lahore.

A total of 48 participants will be recruited accounting for a 10% dropout rate (42+6=48) and equally divided into two groups 24 participants in each group: Group A(Intervention) and Group B(Control). Participants will be selected based on inclusion criteria which includes individuals aged 35-55 years with a clinical diagnosis of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (positive Patellar Compression Test) symptoms persisting for at least 6 weeks to 6 months and moderate-to-severe knee pain (NPRS ≥ 4). They must also be willing to comply with study protocols. Exclusion criteria include recent knee surgery, other knee conditions (e.g., ligament injuries or severe osteoarthritis), and neurological disorders affecting movement or cognition.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants must have a clinical diagnosis of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.
• Participants should be aged between 35 and 55 years, as this is the typical age group affected by PFPS and will help standardize the sample.
• Individuals with a BMI ranging from 18 to 25 kg/m2.
• Participants should have had symptoms of PFPS for at least 6 weeks to 6 months, ensuring the condition is subacute and chronic.
• Knee Pain Severity: Patients must report moderate to severe knee pain (e.g., pain score ≥ 4 on a 0-10 pain scale) to assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions.
• Participants must be willing to engage in the prescribed exercise program and comply with study protocols including follow-up assessments.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who have undergone knee surgery within the last 6 months, as post-surgical rehabilitation could interfere with the study outcomes and confound results. Patients with other knee conditions, such as ligament injuries (e.g., ACL or MCL tears), meniscal tears or osteoarthritis, which could significantly affect rehabilitation or complicate the assessment of PFPS.
• Individuals with severe knee osteoarthritis (e.g., Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 or 4) as it may impact the treatment response and differ from the typical PFPS rehabilitation approach.
• Individuals with neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis or peripheral neuropathy) that affect movement, balance or cognition making participation in rehabilitation exercises unsafe or difficult.