A Controlled Trial of Weight-Bearing Versus Non—Weight-Bearing Exercises for Patellofemoral Pain

• Published in: The journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy Vol. 37; no. 4; pp. 155 - 160
• Main Authors: Herrington, Lee, Al-Sherhi, Abdullah
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.04.2007
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Exercise Therapy - methods; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Muscle Strength - physiology; Pain Measurement; Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome - physiopathology; Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome - rehabilitation; Pilot Projects; Prospective Studies; Quadriceps Muscle - physiopathology; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome; Weight-Bearing - physiology
• ISSN: 0190-6011; 1938-1344
• DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2007.2433

Randomized controlled trial, pretest-posttest design. To compare the efficacy of non-weight-bearing single-joint quadriceps exercise (SJNWBE) versus weight-bearing multiple-joint quadriceps exercise (MJWBE) for individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). PFPS is a common ailment of the knee. Both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing exercises are considered appropriate for strengthening the quadriceps, a key element in the treatment of this condition. Forty-five male subjects with PFPS between 18 and 35 years of age were randomized into 1 of 3 groups. Group 1 (SJNWBE) performed knee extension exercises, group 2 (MJWBE) performed seated leg press exercises, and group 3 (control group) received no treatment. Subjective symptoms, knee extensor muscle strength, and functional performance were evaluated at the time of the initial examination and at the end of the 6-week treatment period. Individuals in both exercise groups demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in pain and an increase in muscle strength and functional performance, as compared to the control group (P<.05). All measures showed no significant differences in outcome between the 2 exercise groups (P>.05). This study demonstrates that both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing quadriceps exercises can significantly improve subjective and clinical outcomes in patients with PFPS.