The Effect of 8 Weeks the Thera-Band Exercises on Pain, Range of Motion and Function in Nurses with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is one of the most common disabilities among women. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of Thera-band exercises on pain, range of motion, and function of nurses with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Thirty female nurses with patellofemoral pain syndrome were selected from the statistical population and divided into two groups of control and practice. After selecting subjects based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, in a pre-test, pain with visual analog scale, range of motion with a universal goniometer, and function with KOOS questioner were measured. Then the training group performed their Thera-band exercises for 8 weeks and in 3 sessions in a week. The control group was also prevented from doing any exercise program and they were only allowed to do their daily activities. Then all the tests that were taken in the pre-test phase, were measured in the post-test again. Paired t-test and independent t-test were used for statistical analysis of the results. In all statistical analyzes, alpha was smaller than 0.05.

The results of eight weeks of Thera-band exercises showed a reduction of the pain and induced an improvement of function in the subject of the exercise group. However, there was no significant difference between the post-test knee flexion range and pre-test in any of the study groups that indicates that the Thera-band exercises do not affect the range of motion of the knee flexion.

According to the results of this study, it is recommended that women with patellofemoral pain syndrome use Thera-band exercises to reduce their pain. Besides, the Thera-band exercises can be introduced to these individuals as an appropriate solution to improve their performance.