Effects of functional training on movement performance and balance in elite fencing athletes with patellar tendinopathy

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of functional training on knee pain, functional movement screen (FMS) score and balance in Chinese elite fencing athletes with patellar tendinopathy. Methods Twenty-four fencing athletes with a diagnosed patellar tendinopathy were randomized into a treatment group (TG) and a control group (CG), each of 12. Both groups were given routine physical therapy, while TG received motor function training in addition for eight weeks. Both groups completed the numerical rating scale (NRS), FMS and balance test before and after the intervention. Results After the intervention, the average PRS and FMS of TG were 2.08±1.24 and 16.25±0.97 respectively, which significantly outperformed those of TG before the intervention and those of CG after the intervention(P<0.05). Moreover, TG indicated superior results in parameters of static postural balance including center of pressure, total length of swinging pathway, maximal length of swinging pathway, and area of swinging pathway when compared to TG before the intervention and CG after the intervention(P<0.05). Conclusion The motor functiontraining is effective in improving functional movement and balance in elite fencing athletes with patellar tendinopathy. Key words: Fencing; Patellar tendinopathy; Functional training; Functional movement screen; Balance