Physiotherapy Effectiveness on Muscle Strength, Flexibility, Pain and Function in Patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Abstract

035patients with PFPS. In addition, literature [8] and bibliography [9], suggest that six weeks can be enough if intense and specific strength and flexibility programs. This study not only will reveal the effect of a six-week physiotherapy treatment in district NWW NHS hospitals, but will also provide answers to the efficacy of this exercise-based treatment to the PFPS population who visit district physiotherapy clinics. AimsThe aim of this study was:• To investigate the effect on muscle strength, flexibility, pain and function of a six week programme of physiotherapy for PFPS delivered in a district NWW NHS hospital. MethodsRecruitment method: All potential participants were identified by an extended scope physiotherapist who searched the NHS physiotherapy referrals (MB). An invitation letter and an information sheet were then sent to them. Potential participants were phoned by the rheumatologist (JJ) and if they were interested the phone was passed to the researcher who arranged a meeting after the first physiotherapy appointment. Participants were given at least two days to decide whether to participate. The first assessment took place directly after the first treatment session with the physiotherapist; the IntroductionPatellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common knee conditions that physiotherapists and physicians have to confront Houghton, 2007. PFPS often becomes chronic, with up to 91% of patients reporting constant knee pain 4-18 years after being diagnosed [1], whilst 5 years after rehabilitation, 80% still reported pain and 74% had reduced their activity level [2]. A search of the literature did not reveal previous research studies which have investigated the effectiveness of the National Health Service (NHS) physiotherapy treatment of PFPS in a non-academic setting. The last update of the physiotherapy standards of proficiency [3], reported that registered physiotherapist should use specific practice skills such as exercise and movement to enhance functional ability. Literature showed a number of different treatment components that clinical physiotherapists are suggested to use when treating patients with PFPS and all of them included strengthening and stretching of several muscles [4][5][6]. Previous research identified the clinical methods that North-West Wales (NWW) physiotherapists use when treating patients with PFPS [7]. In that study NWW physiotherapists reported using a selection of physical activities aimed at strengthening and stretching lower limb muscles. However, there was no evidence about the effectiveness of such treatment in NHS physiotherapy departments. Harvie et al. [6], reported in their review that a sixweek intervention should be considered for programmes targeting Methods: 26 patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (9 males, 16 females) who were referred to the NHS physiotherapy department where asked to complete an AKP Scale and two VASs along with a series of clinical tests that measure lower limb isometric strength and flexibility in two different occasio...