The effect of postural stabilization exercises on pain and function in females with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of postural stabilization exercises on pain, muscle strength and function in females with patellofemoral pain.

METHODS: Forty-two volunteers with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) were included in this study. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 performed therapeutic knee and postural stabilization exercises (n=22); Group 2 performed therapeutic knee exercises only (n=20). All patients were evaluated for pain, hamstring flexibility, function, lower extremity strength and postural control before and after treatment and at the 12th week. A two-way ANOVA was done within each group before and after treatment and at the 12th week. The level of significance was set at p<0.05, and when this was observed, the Tukey test was used to determine which group had caused the significance.

RESULTS: The results were statistically significant between the groups in terms of pain, flexibility, function, strength, endurance, postural control and the parameters of the Kujala patellofemoral pain scale (p<0.05). For all parameters, Group 1 achieved the greater success after treatment (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: The implementation of physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs including postural stabilization exercises may improve strength and function and reduce pain in patients with PFPS.