Effect of eight weeks of standard training and functional stabilization on pain and functional movement in women with patellofemoral pain

Patellofemoral pain is the most common and controversial musculoskeletal problem. Several studies have focused on its causes, prevention, and treatment strategies. This study was done to determine the effect of eight weeks of standard and functional stabilization training on pain and functional movement of women with patellofemoral pain.

This quasi-experimental study was performed on 45 non-athletic women with patellofemoral pain syndrome aged 18-35 years. Subjects were divided into three standard, functional stabilization training and the control group and followed for 8 weeks. Pain was measured by visual analogue scale and functional movement was measured by the KUJALA (Anterior knee Pain Scale).

Severity of pain significantly reduced in the two interventional groups (standard and functional stabilization training) in comparison with control group (P<0.05). Functional movement significantly increased in the two interventional groups in comparison with control group (P<0.05). Severity of pain and functional movement had no significant difference between the two intervention groups.

Performing each of the exercises, standard or functional stabilization training, for eight weeks, had beneficial effect on reducing pain and improving functional movement in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.