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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Effects of EMG Biofeedback and active exercises with Integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique on students with Trapezius myalgia

Ranjani Shree.K, Jagatheesan Alagesan, Jeslin.G. N, Shenbaga Sundaram Subramanian, Karthick.K, Neha Lakshmanan, Praveen Kumar.R, Pavithra.S

Ranjani Shree.K et al. – Effects of EMG Biofeedback and active exercises with Integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique on students with Trapezius myalgia –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(2); 370-373

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG00E1O8LL

Abstract
Aim. Trapezius myalgia is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by pain and trigger points. Electromyography biofeedback (EMG) can improve muscle activation, while active exercise significantly reduces pain and stiffness. This study aimed to examine the effect of EMG biofeedback exercise training and active exercise, along with integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique (INIT), in individuals with trapezius myalgia. Material and methods. This double-blind study included seventy participants with trapezius myalgia, randomly assigned to two groups after informed consent. Both groups received 10 minutes of INIT. The EMG biofeedback group (n=35) performed exercises with electrodes on the upper trapezius, while the active exercise group (n=35) performed exercises without electrodes. Both interventions lasted 15 sessions over 3 weeks. Results. After the intervention, the EMG biofeedback group showed a decrease in Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores to 12.71 ± 1.67, whereas the active exercise group had no significant reduction (24.17 ± 3.13). Post-test pressure algometer scores were higher in the EMG biofeedback group (136.05 ± 5.35) compared to the active exercise group (119.68 ± 3.01). Statistical analysis revealed significant t-values of 19.057 (p < 0.0001) for NDI and 15.752 (p < 0.0001) for pressure algometer scores, indicating the efficacy of EMG biofeedback in reducing neck pain and enhancing pressure sensitivity. Conclusions. The study demonstrates that EMG biofeedback is more effective than active exercise in reducing pain and improving functional ability in individuals with trapezius myalgia.
Key words
trapezius myalgia, emg biofeedback, integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique, active exercise, neck disability index
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