Could hip and knee muscle strengthening alter the pain intensity in patellofemoral pain syndrome?

In patellofemoral pain syndrome [PFPS] as a common cause of knee pain in athletes, muscle weakness is proposed to contribute to its pain and dysfunction. This study was conducted to determine whether hip and knee muscles strengthening can accordingly reduce pain. In a single blinded, randomized clinical trial, 32 females [52 knees] with PFPS were randomly divided into a case and a control group. All the hip muscles and knee extensor in the case group and only the knee extensor in the control group were tested. In the case of recognizing weakness, they underwent a 4-week strengthening exercise program, after which a retest was taken. Pain as indicated on a visual analogue scale was recorded before and after the intervention. Both groups revealed pain reduction, although the amount of reduction was significantly greater in the cases compared to the subjects in the control group. Among the muscles selected for strengthening, only the hip flexors, abductors, and external rotators were found related to successful treatment as defined by at least 15% pain reduction on a pain visual analogue scale. Despite the current concept of focusing on quadriceps strengthening exercise in PFPS in the attempt to reduce pain and dysfunction, the results of this study did not support this idea. More attention should be shifted toward the hip muscles, if a long term and more efficient treatment is targeted

relationship between self-esteem, general health and academic achievement in students of Shiraz University of medical sciences

Controversial reports are available about the relationship between students' self-esteem, and their academic achievement and general health. Since these reports are mainly based on studies in high school students, this study was performed to determine the relationship between self-esteem, general health and academic achievement in students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. In a cross-sectional study, a sample of 512 students [168 male and 344 female] from 8 schools were randomly selected through multistage random sampling during autumn 2005. Data was gathered by demographic and achievement questionnaire, Copper-Smith inventory [for assessing self-esteem] and Goldberg Health Questionnaire [to assess general health]. The results were analyzed by SPSS-13 using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, t-test, ANOVA and multiple regressions. The mean score and standard deviation for self-esteem were 17.6 +/- 4.6 [out of 25], for general health were 20.9 +/- 4.13[out of 84] and average grade point was 15.6 +/- 1.6 [out of 20]. There were no significant correlations between self-esteem, and achievement. A significantly negative correlation between self-esteem and general health was seen [r = -0.59]. However, the difference between probationary and non-probationary students in terms of self-esteem and general health was significant. Predictive factors for grade point average were sex, residence, and being in probation. There was not a strong correlation between students' academic achievement and their general health and self-esteem, but, self-esteem and general health were correlated. It seems that students' academic achievement is influenced by other factors