This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Pilates exercises in Patellofemoral pain patients compared to hip and knee combined exercises in improving pain, muscle strength, flexibility, function and quality of life in short term.
Patellofemoral pain is a common condition characterized by pain in anterior knee, around the kneecap. It is known that exercise is beneficial in rehabilitation in general. Exercise programs applied to patients with PFP should include hip and knee-targeted combined exercises. Nowadays, Pilates is used as an effective rehabilitation tool for individuals with musculoskeletal problems, especially in reducing pain and improving function. Therefore, we believe that Pilates exercises can be effective in PFP Considering that PFP is a chronic condition and exercise therapy is one of the main strategies in the treatment. Pilates may be preferred as one of the alternative treatment method. This randomized controlled study was designed to compare the effects of two different treatment protocols, Group-I (Supervised Rehabilitation) and Group-II (Pilates Exercises). Patients who applied to the Istanbul Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital, Sports Medicine outpatient clinic and were diagnosed with PFP by a specialist physician based on the patient histories, physical examinations, and diagnostic imaging. The estimated desired sample size was at least 14 participants per group. We anticipated a dropout rate of 20%. Therefore, 34 participants were required for each group (Supervised Rehabilitation n=17, Pilates Exercises n=17) of both sexes, ages ranging from 18-45 years. A computer generated randomization list was used to divide the patients into two groups (https://www.randomizer.org/). An 'Informed Consent Form' was obtained from patients by explaining the purpose of the study, the duration of the study, the treatments to be applied, and possible side effects.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
34
The program will be applied with the Pilates exercises every week. All patients were evaluated before and after the treatment (6 weeks).
The program will be applied with the progression of the supervised rehabilitation in the 4th week
Istanbul University
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Functional assessment
Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale is used to assess the functional disability levels of the patients.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Pain assessment
The numerical NPRS is used to measure and monitor the severity of pain. The patients will be asked to rate the severity of the current pain level between 0 and 10 (0 being "no pain" and 10 being the "worst imaginable pain").
Time frame: 6 weeks
Muscle strength assessment
Quadriceps strength will be measured using the Lafayette Manual Muscle Tester (Lafayette Instrument-model 01165, USA) handheld dynamometer.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Muscle flexibility assessment
The flexibility of the hamstring muscles' length will be measured with the "Sit and Reach Test".
Time frame: 6 weeks
Quality of life assessment
The short form SF-36v2 will be used to assess the quality of life. The scale, designed to assess the quality of life, covers physical, social, and psychological conditions.
Time frame: 6 weeks
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