Riassunto dello studio

Sixty young adult male athletes with patellofemoral pain syndrome were randomized to receive 4 weeks of electromyographic-biofeedback-guided isometric strength training plus patella taping (n=30) or 4 weeks of isometric strength training with sham electromyographic-biofeedback guidance and sham taping (n=30). Outcomes of interest included pain on the visual analog scale (VAS), knee function on the Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale, and quadriceps muscle strength which was measured using a dynamometer. Outcomes were assessed at 2, 4 and 6 weeks (2 weeks post-intervention) follow up. VAS pain scores were significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group at all time-points (p<0.001 for all). Moreover, quadriceps strength was significantly greater in the intervention group compared the control group at 4 and 6 weeks follow up (p<0.001 for both). Lastly, knee function scores were significantly in favour of the intervention group at 6 weeks follow up only (p=0.0002).