Abstract
M.Tech.
This study compared the effectiveness of two different Chiropractic treatment
protocols in the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome. This was done in
order to establish whether or not core stabilisation exercises play a role in the
treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Thirty participants were used for this study. They were randomly placed into two
groups namely; group 1 and group 2. Group 1 received strengthening exercises
of the quadriceps muscle group and stretching exercises of the hamstring
muscles. Group 2 received strengthening of the quadriceps muscle group,
stretching of the hamstring muscles and core stabilisation exercises.
Six treatments were administered over a period of three weeks with each
participant receiving two treatments per week.
Prior to the commencement of treatments one, three and six; each participant
was objectively measured for quadriceps strength using the isometric
dynamometer. The subjective measurements used in this study were the
Numerical Pain Rating Scale and the Patellofemoral Joint Evaluation Scale,
these were also completed prior to the first, third and sixth treatments.
All the collected data was statistically analysed using the one-way Anova test,
the Independent-t test and the Paired-t test.
The statistical analysis revealed statistical differences on intra-group analysis for
both groups involved especially between treatment 3 and treatment 6 for both the
objective and subjective measurements. On Inter-group analysis group 2’s
subjective and objective measurements improved by a larger amount than group
1’s.
It was thus concluded that a combined treatment of quadriceps strengthening,
hamstring stretching and core stabilisation exercises was the most effective
treatment protocol in individuals suffering from patellofemoral pain syndrome.