Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of professional kinesiology practice (PKP) as an alternative treatment method and intervention for distance road runners with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). This study used an explanatory, intervention case study research design that examined the athlete’s psychological and physical profiles pre- and post-intervention. A total of six participants completed this three session PKP intervention. Data was collected pre- and post- intervention through means of an internet-based questionnaire, Likert scales for stress and functional pain tests (0-10), range of motion (ROM) in lower limb and an abbreviated 24-POMS questionnaire. The intervention consisted of three PKP balances, focusing on the lower-limb protocol.
The psychological profile was measured by means of the abbreviated 24-POMS and Likert (0-10) score. The findings in this study reflected significant improvements in both POMS score and stress levels of the participants. The physical profile was measured by means of ROM measurements of the lower limb and Likert (0-10) score of pain during different physical tests. Significant improvements were noted in the ROM measured in the lower limb of both the injured and non-injured leg. The results showed a significant decrease in the pain levels of the participants. This study concluded that PKP is an effective intervention for the treatment of PFPS in long-distance runners.