Comparing the Effectiveness of Patellar Bracing with Conventional Exercises to Occupation-based Intervention with Conventional Exercises in Managing Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in Athletes

Abstract

Introduction: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a prevalent lower extremity condition observed in physically active individuals, characterized by diffuse anterior knee pain without the presence of intra-articular damage or a specific mechanism of injury. The heterogeneity in symptom presentation poses a challenge, with activities like squatting and stair climbing triggering knee pain. Aim & Objectives: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of patellar bracing combined with conventional therapeutic muscle strengthening exercises against occupation-based intervention along with conventional therapeutic muscle strengthening exercises in the management of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in athletes. Material and Methodology: Group A received therapeutic muscle strengthening exercises with a Patellar Brace, while Group B received Occupation-Based Intervention (OBI) along with therapeutic muscle strengthening exercises. Both groups underwent a 12-week management program, with evaluations conducted at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Result: The data was tested for normality using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov Z test with p <0.05. Repeated measures ANOVA was used for mean pre and post comparison within group and mean and mean changes between groups. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Conclusion: In conclusion, findings indicate that both approaches are effective, but Occupation-Based Intervention (OBI) combined with Therapeutic Muscle Strengthening Exercises proves significantly more effective than Patellar Brace with Therapeutic Muscle Strengthening Exercises.