Abstract
M.Tech. (Chiropractic
Purpose: The purpose of this research study was to determine the efficacy of knee mobilisation and manipulation as treatment for patellofemoral pain syndrome and quadriceps muscle strength.
Method: The study was an exploratory study that utilised a single group with one intervention protocol.
Procedure: The study made use of 30 participants whom were all placed in a single intervention group. The participants we all symptomatic, presenting with anterior knee pain. Each participant was required to return for seven visits, where they received six treatments for their condition. At visit one, four and seven, strength readings were taken using a push/pull dynamometer and pain and disability was measured by the completion of the Kujala pain questionnaire. All data was recorded by the researcher and analysed by Statkon.
Results: The results indicated that there is a decrease in patient reported pain and disability between visit one and visit four as well as between visit four and visit seven when readings were taken. The study also showed that there was an increase in quadriceps muscle strength between visit one and visit four as well as between visit four and visit seven when readings were taken.
Conclusion: The conclusion is that knee joint mobilisation and manipulation is an effective protocol for the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome and for increasing quadriceps muscle strength.