Effects Of Hip-knee Muscle Strengthening Combined With Whole-body Vibration Training On Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) training combined with hip-knee muscle strengthening training on adult patellofemoral pain syndrome(PFPS). METHODS: Thirty-six adults with PFPS were included in this study and randomly assigned to either a combined training group (Group 1) that received WBV training plus hip-knee muscle strengthening training (n=18) or a control group (Group 2) that performed hip-knee muscle strengthening training only (n=18). Group 1 performed 18 sessions to strengthen knee extensors, hip abductor and lateral rotator muscles for 40minutes per session (20minutes WBV training plus 20minutes hip-knee strengthening training) three times a week for six weeks. Group 2 performed the same number of sessions (2×20 minutes hip-knee strengthening training only per session) to strengthen the muscles of the hip and knee. All patients were evaluated using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS), and Short Form-36 (SF-36) before and after treatment. RESULTS: The results were statistically significant between before and after treatment in terms of VAS (p<0.001) and AKPS(p<0.001), Physical Functioning(p<0.001), Role-Physical(p<0.001), Bodily Pain(p<0.05), General Health(p<0.05) and Social Functioning(p<0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in Role-emotional(p=0.19), Vitality(p=0.15) and Mental Health(p=0.32). No significant between-group differences were found in all this scale (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The WBV training plus hip-knee strengthening training and hip-knee strengthening training can both effectively improve pain, knee function and quality of life on adult patients with PFPS. However, whether the WBV training is more effective than hip-knee strengthening training need to be further research.