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 early intervention on developmental milestones among early-term babies – pilot study

Gayathri K C, Shenbaga Sundaram Subramanian, Sangeetha Mohan, Thamer A. Altaim, Kumaran Thanigachalam,Salwa Roushdy Elgendy, Vijayamurugan Eswaramoorthi, Saicheethra, Senthil P, Riziq Allah Gaowgzeh

Ridwan Abdul Rachman, Wawan Sundawan Suherman,Budi Calamita Sandra, Ahmad Nasrulloh – Effectiveness of early intervention on developmental milestones among early-term babies – pilot study. Fizjoterapia Polska 2023; 23(5); 281-285

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG20BXT7

Abstract
Background. Developmental delay is the delayed milestone compared with peers. This pilot study aims to investigate the effect of early intervention on developmental delay among early‑term babies and infants aged three months. The study will utilize two widely recognized assessment tools, the Bayley Scale and the Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST) Scale, to evaluate the developmental progress of the participants. The intervention will be provided for three months, and the study will examine the outcomes post‑intervention. Methods. This study is one of the perspective, experimental, single‑blinded, randomized control trials, and multi‑center hospital‑based outpatient department studies. Children who were visited and recruited from the outpatient department were assessed for developmental delay using DDST and Bayley scores. A total of 50 babies were chosen based on the inclusion criteria and then randomized into two groups. The control group with parental education and the experimental group were given early intervention. Assessment was done at 3‑months and post‑test on completion of 6 months. According to the Bayley score, and the data were analyzed.
Results. According to the pilot study, the SPSS pre‑ and post‑values shows a significant difference in the gross motor functions of 14.10 ± 1.79, fine motor functions 7.90 ± 0.316, and cognitive functions 13.60 ± 0.516. This showed that the experimental group is significantly improved. Conclusion. This study showed that early‑term babies also have chances of developmental delay, and that early intervention for overcoming developmental delay is effective.

Keywords
developmental delay, milestones, DDST, Bayley Scale, early intervention

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Effect of lower body, core and upper body kinematic chain exercise protocol on throwing performance among university shot put athletes: A pilot study

Vinod Kumar K.C, Thamer A. Altaim, Shenbaga Sundaram Subramanian, Shadi Abdelbaset Alkhob, Pradeep Reddy, Anusha.M.B.S, Naresh Bhaskar Raj, Senthi P, Riziq Allah Mustafa Gaowgzeh


Vinod Kumar K.C, Thamer A. Altaim, Shenbaga Sundaram Subramanian, Shadi Abdelbaset Alkhob, Pradeep Reddy, Anusha.M.B.S, Naresh Bhaskar Raj, Senthi P, Riziq Allah Mustafa Gaowgzeh – Effect of lower body, core and upper body kinematic chain exercise protocol on throwing performance among university shot put athletes: A pilot study. Fizjoterapia Polska 2023; 23(3); 108-115

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG143R1m

Abstract
A coordinated sequence of movements is required to generate maximum power and velocity in shot put. Kinematic chains emphasize the interactions between various body segments during a movement. They suggest that force production and transfer are optimized by coordinating multiple joints and muscle groups. In previous research, the kinematic chain has been attributed to shot put performance. Few studies have examined the effects of a comprehensive kinematic chain exercise protocol on throwing performance among shot put athletes, particularly at universities. Pilot study investigating lower body, core, and upper body kinematic chain exercise protocol on university shot put athletes’ throwing performance. A total of twenty-four young athletes specializing in shotput, with an average age of 19.87 years and a standard deviation of 1.31 years, were divided into two groups, namely the experimental group and the control group, using a random assignment method, the experimental group, consisting of 12 participants, underwent an 8-week kinematic chain training program alongside their regular training sessions. On the other hand, the control group, also consisting of 12 participants, only participated in their regular training sessions without any additional intervention. Pre- and post-training assessments were conducted to measure shotput throwing performance, preference for throwing style, and the participants’ satisfaction with the exercise protocol, using a questionnaire. The athletes who took part in the kinematic chain program demonstrated a significant improvement in throwing distance compared to the control group (p = 0.01). Additionally, the athletes in the experimental group reported higher levels of satisfaction with the exercise protocol (p = 0.005). These findings indicate that incorporating an 8-week Lower Body, Core and Upper Body kinematic chain exercise protocol into regular training sessions can lead to more pronounced improvements in sport-specific throwing performance among young shotput athletes.

Keywords
shotput athletes, kinematic chain exercises, shot put throwing style, core stability, throwing distance

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