Effectiveness of Exercise Protocols in Treatment of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Prospective Comparative Study

Background: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) refers to anterior or retropatellar pain in knees. It is amongst the widespread and commonly known knee disorders seen in orthopaedic clinics, especially in young adult. The majority of patients who have are initially treated non operatively and many non operative imitative are successful wherein physical exercise remains the basic approach to deal with the ailment. Amongst various physical therapies used; open kinetic chain exercises (OKCE) and closed kinetic chain exercises (CKCE) have gained prominence.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of closed versus open kinetic chain exercises in Saudi patients with PFPS, and to determine whether any of two programs offer any advantages over the other one.

Methodology: Forty male subjects with PFPS, were randomly assigned into two equal groups, each one consisted of 20 subjects, their age ranged between (20-40) years. Group 1; (28.20 ± 5.39) years, performed only closed kinetic chain exercises (CKCE). Group 2; (28.55 ± 8.00) years, performed only open kinetic chain exercises (OKCE). Pain intensity, patellofemoral scoring scale, isometric knee muscle strength, and patellar tendon muscle torque were measured before and after 6-weeks of treatment program.

Results: Statistical analysis showed that both CKCE and OKCE have a significant effect in reduction of pain intensity, increased isometric knee muscle force, and the patellar tendon muscle torque. Results also showed that CKCE has more effective results than OKCE.

Conclusion: This study indicates that both CKCE and OKCE could be used in treatment of patients with PFPS.