Effect of Core Exercises on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Cairo University (CU)

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Treatments: Other: Core strengthening exercises; Other: Traditional treatment

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06758050

No:P.T.REC/012/005347

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full description

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.

Enrollment: 44 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 35 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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44 participants in 2 patient groups

Study group

Experimental group

Description:

Group B (study group) (core strengthening exercises added to evidence-based approaches group) The core muscle strength training program The core muscle strength training program will last for 6 weeks and comprise of two training sessions per week, with a total of 12 sessions for the study group. During the main part of the training, the "big 3" exercises as described by McGill will be conducted. These include the curl-up, side bridge, and quadruped position.

Treatment:

Other: Traditional treatment

Other: Core strengthening exercises

Control group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Group A (control group) (evidence-based approaches group): The participants in the control group will receive only a hip and knee- focused exercise program. 1. Hip-focused exercise: Based on previous studies, hip-focused exercises will consist of side- lying hip abduction, hip external rotation (clamshell), and prone hip extension. 2. Knee-focused exercise The knee-focused exercise regime will be based on previous studies and consist of supine straight leg raises, supine terminal knee extensions (from 10° flexion to full extension), and a mini squat (45° flexion) with the back supported against the wall (to reduce stabilizing requirements from the hip muscles).

Treatment:

Other: Traditional treatment