Comparison of Muscle Activities between Two Unilateral Weight Bearing Exercises in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Abstract

Patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) usually demonstrate gluteus medius (GMed), vastus medialis oblique (VMO), and vastus lateralis (VL) muscle weakness. An investigation of the different types of exercise needed for this population to stimulate proper muscle is required. This study aimed to compare muscle activities of GMed, VMO, and VL during eccentric and concentric phases between forward step up and wall single leg squat exercises in patients with PFPS. Ten females with PFPS participated in the study. Muscle activities of GMed, VMO, and VL were recorded by electromyography (EMG) during the forward step up, and wall single leg squat exercises. Paired t -test was used for analysis of muscle activities between types of exercises. Muscle activities of GMed, VMO, and VL during eccentric and concentric phases were significantly lower in the forward step up than the wall single leg squat. Both forward step up and wall single leg squat exercises were effective in order to activate works of GMed, VMO, and VL muscles in patients with PFPS.