Abstract
Introduction: Patellofemoral pain syndrome is one of the
most prevalent problems in physically active people. The syndrome is a
multifactorial disorder with different therapeutic approaches. Conservative
treatment of the syndrome has been a crucial matter in different studies.
Quadriceps muscle strengthening exercise is a recommended approach which is
performed in forms of open and closed kinetic chain exercises. This study was
designed to compare the efficacy of these exercises on this syndrome.
Methods: Totally 30 women suffering from the syndrome aged
30-40 were randomly allocated into three groups: open, and closed kinetic chain
exercises, and control group, as groups A, B, and C, respectively. Groups A and
B participated in 28 sessions of exercises in a period of four weeks and group
C did not do any exercise in this period. Before and after the period, pain and
function of the participants were assessed using visual analog scale (VAS) and
Kujala patellofemoral scale, respectively. Data were analyzed using independent
t test, dependent t test, and univariate variance analysis, while significance
of data was determined at P < 0.05.
Results: The study indicated that open kinetic chain
exercises (group A) for 4 weeks brought significant changes in relieving the
pain along with improving the function (P = 0.001). Likewise, it was revealed a
significant pain relief as well as function improvement in group B (P = 0.001).
Comparing two groups illustrated that benefits of open kinetic chain exercises
outweigh closed ones (P = 0.001).
Conclusion: Overall, both exercises were efficient in
relieving pain as well as improving function, however open kinetic chain
exercises were more contributory.