Effectiveness of concentric and eccentric strengthening program on pain and functional performance in patellofemoral pain syndrome among sprinters – A pilot study

Buvanesh Annadurai, Vinodhkumar Ramalingam, Devadharshini Balakrishnan, Surya Vishnuram, Shenbaga Sundaram Subramanian, Santhana Lakshmi S, Pavithra Aravind, Pavithra S, Rajesh G, Thamer A. Altaim

Buvanesh Annadurai et al. – Effectiveness of concentric and eccentric strengthening program on pain and functional performance in patellofemoral pain syndrome among sprinters – A pilot study –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(3); 288-292

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG7D19JL5P

Abstract
Background. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that primarily affects athletes, particularly those who engage in repetitive knee flexion and extension. Collegiate sprinters are especially susceptible to PFPS because certain strokes, including the freestyle and breaststroke, demand repetitive lower-limb actions. The estimated prevalence of PFPS in elite athletes is 35.7%, 28.9% in adolescents, and 13.5% in the military. PFPS affects individuals across various age groups, with a general population prevalence rate of 23%. Muscle imbalances surrounding the knee joint, especially weakness of the quadriceps muscles, which are essential for patellar stabilization, are frequently linked to PFPS. Strengthening exercises can be broadly divided into concentric and eccentric modalities, although different rehabilitation strategies may be applied. This study aims to compare the influence of concentric and eccentric strengthening programs on pain levels and functional performance in collegiate sprinters diagnosed with PFPS.
Objective. To compare the effectiveness of changes in functional performance and pain following both concentric and eccentric exercises in PFPS among collegiate sprinters.
Materials and methods. A total of 24 participants were allocated into two groups using a convenient sampling method: group A (n = 12) and group B (n = 12). Group A received concentric exercise, while group B underwent eccentric exercise for three weeks. Materials required included a chair, stopwatch, clear floor space, and measuring tape to ensure accurate assessment and execution of exercises. Outcome measures included the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) to assess pain levels and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test to evaluate functional mobility and balance.
Results. Statistical analysis of the quantitative data showed no statistically significant difference between group A and group B, with a p-value of < 0.0001. Both groups demonstrated considerable improvement post-intervention in pain and functional performance; however, no significant difference was found between the groups. Therefore, both concentric and eccentric strengthening programs appear equally effective in managing patellofemoral pain syndrome among collegiate sprinters.
Conclusions. According to this study’s findings, concentric exercises with therapeutic ultrasound (group A) and eccentric exercises with therapeutic ultrasound (group B) are similar in effectiveness in lowering pain and improving functional performance in collegiate sprinters with patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Key words
anterior knee pain, patellofemoral pain, patellofemoral pain syndrome
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Effectiveness of jump training along with core neuromuscular training in football players on improving their anterior knee pain, functional performance, and knee valgus using Dartfish software

Praveenkumar R., Kamalakannan M., Hariharan J., Priyadarshini Babu Rajendra Prasad, Lalith Kumar R., Hajira Husna

 

Praveenkumar R. et al – Effectiveness of jump training along with core neuromuscular training in football players on improving their anterior knee pain, functional performance, and knee valgus using Dartfish software –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(1); 19-26

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG007DMFP7

Abstract
Introduction. Football players of all ages frequently experience knee pain, which may result from unexpected injuries such as sprains, strains, or contusions. A primary risk factor for knee pain is knee injury. A progressive jump training and core neuromuscular training program with short session durations and program lengths can provide similar benefits for landing skills and functional performance as longer-term, mixed-content training programs.
Aim of the study. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of jump training along with core neuromuscular training in football players in improving anterior knee pain, functional performance, and knee valgus using Dartfish software.
Materials and methods. A study was conducted among football players aged 18 to 25 years who reported anterior knee pain, increased knee valgus, and performance deficits. All participants underwent a jump training program combined with core neuromuscular training and hip posterolateral strengthening exercises for four weeks.
Results. The post-intervention Kujala scale values for the experimental and control groups were 89.36 and 67.60, respectively. The mean post-test values for the cross-over hop test for the experimental and control groups were as follows: for males, the right side measured 265.38 and 209.85, while the left side measured 255.42 and 197.62. For females, the right side measured 223.00 and 208.08, while the left side measured 226.18 and 202.15. The mean post-test values for knee valgus in the experimental and control groups were 8.38 and 7.46 for males and 11.08 and 8.83 for females.
Conclusion. This study concludes that jump training combined with core neuromuscular training significantly improves functional performance and reduces anterior knee pain and knee valgus in football players.
Key words
football, knee valgus, anterior knee pain, functional performance, jump training, core neuromuscular training
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Neuromuscular training, manual therapy, and augmented low-Dye taping for pronated foot correction in anterior knee pain: RCT study protocol

Albert Anand Udhaya Kumar, Vinodhkumar Ramalingam, Charbel D. Moussallem, Kumaraguruparan Gopal

Albert Anand Udhaya Kumar, Vinodhkumar Ramalingam, Charbel D. Moussallem, Kumaraguruparan Gopal – Neuromuscular training, manual therapy, and augmented low-Dye taping for pronated foot correction in anterior knee pain: RCT study protocol –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(5); 68-75

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG020CZM0A

 

Abstract
Purpose. Anterior knee pain (AKP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems among adolescents, with an annual prevalence rate of 22.7% to 28.9%. Excessively pronated foot posture is a biomechanical factor that contributes to the risk of AKP. Physiotherapy plays a vital role in treating AKP. The aim of this research is to investigate the efficacy of neuromuscular training and manual therapy with augmented low-Dye taping for pronated foot correction in the management of AKP. Materials and methods. A prospective, double-blind, randomised controlled trial involving 48 individuals suffering from anterior knee pain will be conducted for this study. Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to groups and will receive 12 sessions of talonavicular joint mobilisation (TJM), manual therapy, and neuromuscular exercises with antipronation and augmented low-Dye taping interventions over 4 weeks at Mediclinic Al Noor Hospital. The outcome measures include pain, functional limitations, foot posture, and dynamic valgus index (DVI), assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and follow-up (post-intervention). Discussion. Previous literature supports that manual therapy and neuromuscular training exercises with anti-pronation augmented low-Dye taping are effective treatments for patients with AKP. We strongly believe that the evidence-based interventions used in this research for treating anterior knee pain will provide significant improvements in pain, functional limitations, foot posture, and dynamic valgus index (DVI).
Key words manual therapy, neuromuscular training exercise, foot posture, anterior knee pain, randomized controlled trial
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