The Influence of Leg Positioning in Exercise Programmes for Patellofemoral Joint Pain

Abstract

Background: Patellofemoral Joint Pain (PFJP) is a common source of anterior knee pain.

The management of PFPS remains controversial. Very few studies have addressed leg positioning, and the influence of leg rotation in the recruitment of the VMO muscle in patients with PFJP. This study investigates the effects of a functional semi-squat, utilizing internal rotation of the tibia and adduction of the thigh in patients with PFJP compared to standard physiotherapy exercises used currently.

Method: 78 subjects with PFPS were recruited into a randomized, blinded, controlled study, comparing the efficacy of a new modified functional exercise regime with a standard physiotherapy regime and no physical therapy over 6 weeks follow up.

Results: After 6 weeks, subjects in the new modified functional exercises group showed significantly greater peak EMG values. However, these peak EMG values were not associated with any statistically significant improvement in pain or physical function, when compared with those in the standard physiotherapy group or controls.

Conclusions: The study found that a new functional exercise is effective in creating higher EMG readings of the VMO muscle over a 6 week period. Further investigation is required to assess the value of this intervention in the longer term.

Key Words:

• anterior knee pain
• exercise
• leg position
• vastus medialis obliquus