Effects Of 8-week Training On Vastus-medialis Using Patella-stabilizing Bandage In Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Abstract

It is well documented that patella-stabilizing bandage reduces symptoms of patellofemoral pain syndrome; however the mechanisms of pain reduction have not yet been elucidated. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine if the use of patellofemoral stabilizing bandage will positively affect the function of vastus medialis muscle (VM) in patients with documented patellofemoral pain syndrome. METHODS: Forty-seven patients (8 males and 39 females; mean age: 18.8 + 4.6 yrs) participated in this 8-week study and were randomly divided into 3 groups as follows: first group (B; N=15) wore the patellofemoral stabilizing bandage only, second group (T; N=16) participated in strength training program designed specifically for VM, and the third group (BT; N=16) combined patellofemoral stabilizing bandage and strength training program for 8-week (frequency: 3 training sessions per week; duration: 60 min per training session). iEMG (integrated electromygram) activity measurements of VM and vastus lateralis were conducted in the beginning, after 4 weeks, and 8 weeks of the study. In addition, we also administered a Kajula pain-scale questionnaire to determine the level of discomfort among and between patients. RESULTS: The perceived pain score after 8 weeks revealed significant improvements in T as well as in BT group with no change in group B. The iEMG activity of VM was increased in group T only with no change or even decreased activity of VM in B and BT. CONCLUSION: Findings of our study revealed a significant reduction in patellofemoral pain based on Kajula pain scale questionnaire in T and BT groups; however, our results do not indicate that patella-stabilizing bandage may positively influence a long-term function of the VM.