Incorporation of Pilates-based core strengthening exercises into the rehabilitation protocol for adolescents with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a randomized clinical trial

A.R. Azab, W.K. Abdelbasset, M.A. Basha, W.S. Mahmoud, A.E. Elsayed, A.K. Saleh, R.K. Elnaggar

Department of Physical Therapy and Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia. al.ibrahim@psau.edu.sa

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• Physical Therapy

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate how a Pilates-based core strengthening exercise program affected pain, lower limb muscle strength, functional status, and health-related quality of life in adolescents with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 34 teenagers with PFPS (ages 14-17) were randomly assigned to receive either a standard PT program (control group) or Pilates exercises plus the conventional program (study group). Both groups continued the treatment sessions for 3 months (3 sessions/week). Pain intensity, lower limb muscle strength (hip abductors and external rotators and knee extensors), functional status, and health-related quality of life were evaluated pre-and post-intervention.

RESULTS: Pain intensity (p =.005) reduced significantly post-treatment in the study group as compared to the control group, when controlled for the pre-treatment value. Also, muscle strength of hip abductors (p =.002) external rotators (p < .001), knee extensors (p = .013), functional status (p = .002), and health-related quality of life (p < .001) increased significantly in the study group when compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that Pilates-based core strengthening exercises can help adolescents with PFPS reduce pain, enhance muscle strength, and improve their functional status and quality of life.

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