ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: patellofemoral pain syndrome [PFPS] is an orthopedic disorder of the knee joint which results in pain and impairment of performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of combined exercise [hip abductor and external rotators strengthening + balance] on pain and performance in the patients with PFPS
Materials and Methods: in this semi experimental study, 20 men with PFPS were selected by purposeful sampling and then randomly assigned to two groups, i.e. experimental [n=10] and control [n=10] groups. The experimental group performed a training program which consisted of hip abductor and external rotators strengthening and balance exercises, 3 sessions per week for eighth weeks. Pain and physical performance in the patients were assessed by Visual Analogue Scale [VAS] and WOMAC respectively, before and after exercise. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the data. P
Results: the results indicated that the changes and interactions of the two variables of pain [F=14/2 and p=0/001] and physical performance [F=60/2 and p=0/001] were significant in the experimental group [P < 0.05] after exercise. The results also showed that the experimental group, had reduced pain and showed a significant improvement in the physical performance [p<0/05], compared to the control group
Conclusion: considering the effectiveness of training in the improvement of performance and reduction of pain, this training protocol can be useful in the physical rehabilitation of PFPs