Effect of Proximal and Distal Re-Alignment Exercise Program in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.

Abstract

Background: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a common orthopaedic condition characterized by anterior knee pain, often exacerbated by activities such as running, squatting, and stair climbing. PFPS is mostly caused by biomechanical factors such as femoral and patella alignment and muscle imbalances in the lower limb. Changes in structure such as increased Q-angle or significant pathological abnormalities in articular cartilage. Traditional rehabilitation approaches focus on strengthening the quadriceps muscles, but recent evidence suggests that addressing proximal and distal alignment is beneficial for patient with PFPS.

Objective: To determine the effect of proximal and distal re-alignment exercise program in patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Methodology: In this experimental study 114 patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome were chosen randomly using simple random sampling method. Participants between the age of 18-40 with abnormal tracking of patella were added in the study. Experimental group received proximal and distal realignment exercise program and conventional group received conventional treatment. Visual analogue scale, Manual muscle testing, Q- angle, patellofemoral joint evaluation scale and lateral pull test were used for pre and post treatment.

RESULTS:  For the experimental group post intervention score VAS, Patellofemoral joint evaluation scale, Q- angle, MMT and lateral pull test showed significant improvement with p value <0.0001. In patellofemoral joint evaluation scale, Group A’s results was significantly greater than Group A’s (87.473+ 3.71 & 76.473+4.165). Q-angle results indicates a more significant in Group B than Group A (16.421+ 1.421 18.096 + 3.035)

CONCLUSION: This study concluded that Proximal and distal realignment exercise protocol has more clinically beneficial impact on patellofemoral pain syndrome to reduced pain, improve strength and patellar alignment than conventional exercise program.