A Controlled Trial of Weight-Bearing Versus Non—Weight-Bearing Exercises for Patellofemoral Pain

STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial, pretest-posttest design. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of non-weight-bearing single-joint quadriceps exercise (SJNWBE) versus weight-bearing multiple-joint quadriceps exercise (MJWBE) for individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). BACKGROUND: PFPS is a common ailment of the knee. Both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing exercises are considered appropriate for strengthening the quadriceps, a key element in the treatment of this condition. METHODS AND MEASURES: Forty-five male subjects with PFPS between 18 and 35 years of age were randomized into 1 of 3 groups. Group 1 (SJNWBE) performed knee extension exercises, group 2 (MJWBE) performed seated leg press exercises, and group 3 (control group) received no treatment. Subjective symptoms, knee extensor muscle strength, and functional performance were evaluated at the time of the initial examination and at the end of the 6-week treatment period. RESULTS: Individuals in both exercise groups demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in pain and an increase in muscle strength and functional performance, as compared to the control group (P<.05). All measures showed no significant differences in outcome between the 2 exercise groups (P>.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing quadriceps exercises can significantly improve subjective and clinical outcomes in patients with PFPS.