Effectiveness of Pilates Based Core Strengthening in Improving Flexibility and Quality of Life in Young Adults with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome– A Randomized Control Trial

Vanshika Arora; Reena Kumari; Priya Kamboj

Vanshika Arora Department of Physiotherapy, Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, Dehradun Uttarakhand India
Reena Kumari M.P.T. (Neurological Disorders) Dept. of Physiotherapy SBS (PG) Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Research Balawala, Dehradun , Uttarakhand
Priya Kamboj Assistant Professor Department of Physiotherapy, Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, Dehradun Uttarakhand India.

Keywords: Pain syndrome, Exercise, Knee injury, Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Pilates-based program, Ober’s test

Abstract

Background: The Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a common cause for “anterior knee pain” and affects adolescents with a greater prevalence seen among Indian adolescent females. Symptoms increase with activities such as running, stairs climbing, squatting etc. Weakness or dysfunction in the hip and core muscles can lead to unusual stresses on the patellofemoral joint. Core stability strengthening, in addition to traditional physical therapy, has been found to be significant in improving PFPS symptoms. Pilates as an exercise program has been found to work on core muscles.
Objectives: To find if Pilates based core strengthening is effective in improving pain, flexibility and quality of life in young adults with patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Material and Methods: RCT was selected as study design. A total of 84 participants who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were recruited and randomized into the Control and Experimental group. A protocol of 40 minutes per session, three sessions per week for 8 weeks was given in both the groups. Control group received the conventional physiotherapy whereas the Experimental group received Pilates based sessions. Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) scores, Flexibility test, and KOOS-PF scores were taken as outcome measures. Data was analyzed in SPPS. Z test and non-parametric test were applied to analyze Flexibility tests and KOOS-PF scores respectively.
Results: NPRS average value at baseline for Intervention group wasand shifted to after treatment. For the control group NPRS value changed from At the baseline for the flexibility test was respectively in the experiment group, which was also significant . The findings of KOOS-PF scores came out to be insignificant.
Conclusion: A Pilates-based program is more useful than the conventional Physiotherapy in treating patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), among adolescents.

References

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