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
Pobierz/Download/下載/Cкачиваете Pobierz bezpłatnie artykuł w j. angielskim

The effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) therapy on balance and mobility in elderly patients: a randomized controlled trial

Madhanraj Sekar, Prathap Suganthirababu, Shenbaga Sundaram Subramanian, Surya Vishnuram, Vinodhkumar Ramalingam, Anitha Arul, Andrew Anbarason

Madhanraj Sekar et al. – The effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) therapy on balance and mobility in elderly patients: a randomized controlled trial –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(5); 191-194

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG020C8UWP

Abstract Introduction. Balance impairments and mobility limitations are prevalent challenges among elderly individuals, often contributing to an increased risk of falls and a diminished quality of life. Traditional physiotherapy interventions have effectively addressed these issues, but novel approaches, such as virtual reality (VR) therapy, have emerged as potential enhancements to rehabilitation protocols. Through its immersive environments, VR therapy may engage and challenge patients, potentially leading to improved outcomes. Objective. To investigate whether VR therapy enhances balance and mobility outcomes in elderly patients compared with a traditional physiotherapy protocol. Methods. Sixty elderly individuals, aged 65 and above, referred for outpatient physiotherapy due to balance and mobility issues, were recruited for this randomized controlled trial (RCT) with two parallel arms. They were randomly allocated to the intervention group, treated with VR therapy sessions, while the control group received traditional physiotherapy sessions focused on balance exercises and mobility. The treatment duration was twice a week for over 8 weeks. Baseline assessments were conducted before the intervention, and follow-up assessments were performed immediately after the 8-week intervention period. Outcome Measures. Primary Outcome: Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) as the primary outcome, while mobility was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and quality of life was evaluated using the EQ-5D Questionnaire as the secondary outcome. Results. The VR therapy group demonstrated a more significant improvement in balance (BBS score increase of 12.4 points) than the control group (BBS score increase of 7.6 points). Regarding mobility, the VR group reduced TUG time by 3.8 seconds, compared to 2.8 seconds in the control group, indicating faster completion times and improved functional mobility. The VR group reported a more significant increase in quality of life (0.17 EQ-5D improvement) compared to the control group (0.12 improvement), suggesting that immersive therapy positively impacted overall well-being. Conclusion. It was anticipated that the VR therapy group would demonstrate more significant improvements in balance, mobility, and quality of life than those in the traditional physiotherapy group.
Key words augmented learning, virtual reality, software technology, balance, risk of fall
Pobierz/Download/下載/Cкачиваете Pobierz bezpłatnie artykuł w j. angielskim

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
Pobierz/Download/下載/Cкачиваете Pobierz bezpłatnie artykuł w j. angielskim

Revelation of muscle energy technique and positional release technique in mitigating low back pain, disability, and hyperlordosis in patients with low back pain: A comprehensive review

Jency Thangasheela Gnanasigamani, VinodhKumar Ramalingam, Franklin Saju Madhavadian Kurusumuthu

Jency Thangasheela Gnanasigamani, VinodhKumar Ramalingam, Franklin Saju Madhavadian Kurusumuthu – Revelation of muscle energy technique and positional release technique in mitigating low back pain, disability, and hyperlordosis in patients with low back pain: A comprehensive review –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(4); 271-281

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG01A8M4N1

Abstract
Background. Low back pain, often known as LBP, is a complicated ailment that has many associated risks, including those related to age, gender, lifestyle, social and psychological background, physical demands of work, social support, pain perception, and much more. Its frequency steadily rises with age and is typically nonspecific or mechanical in nature, with axially abnormal loading that might cause ache in the lower lumbar region. Strain-counter strain (SCS) or positional release technique (PRT) and muscle energy technique (MET) are identified as eligible management for LBP; however, in which way both techniques help to control LBP is to be evaluated.
Objectives. To discuss the potential role of MET and PRT in reducing LBP and to find the space between previous and current practice of MET and PRT in correcting the lordosis angle in the lumbar region and disability in LBP patients.
Methods. English-language articles were searched online, using the PEDro, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. Keywords were MET, PRT, LBP, and lumbar lordosis. The articles were published from 2001 to 2022, of which 100 were found to be relevant and 20 to meet the inclusion criteria. They included LBP-related articles with MET and PRT techniques of management, excluding those not related to lumbar lordosis or to those two techniques.
Conclusion. Based on the 20 articles reviewed, it was concluded that MET and PRT played a significant role in decreasing participants’ LBP pain, lordosis angle, and functional impairment.
Keywords
low back pain, muscle energy technique, positional release technique, lordosis angle, functional impairment
Pobierz/Download/下載/Cкачиваете Download the article for free in English