Incorporation of Pilates-based core strengthening exercises into the rehabilitation protocol for adolescents with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate how a Pilates-based core strengthening exercise program affected pain, lower limb muscle strength, functional status, and health-related quality of life in adolescents with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 34 teenagers with PFPS (ages 14-17) were randomly assigned to receive either a standard PT program (control group) or Pilates exercises plus the conventional program (study group). Both groups continued the treatment sessions for 3 months (3 sessions/week). Pain intensity, lower limb muscle strength (hip abductors and external rotators and knee extensors), functional status, and health-related quality of life were evaluated pre-and post-intervention. RESULTS: Pain intensity (p =.005) reduced significantly post-treatment in the study group as compared to the control group, when controlled for the pre-treatment value. Also, muscle strength of hip abductors (p =.002) external rotators (p < .001), knee extensors (p = .013), functional status (p = .002), and health related quality of life (p < .001) increased significantly in the study group when compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that Pilates-based core strengthening exercises can help adolescents with PFPS reduce pain, enhance muscle strength, and improve their functional status and quality of life.