Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a common musculoskeletal problem especially in female and decreased hip muscle strength has been implicated a contributing factor. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate effect of concentric versus eccentric hip abduction exercise on vastus medialis and lateralis electromyographic EMG activity in Patellofemoral Pain syndrome. Method: Thirty patients of both sexes had participated in this study. They were assigned randomly into two groups (Group A and Group B) with age ranged from eighteen to thirty years old. Group A consisted of 15 patients (10 females, 5 males) received concentric hip abduction exercise with traditional program, group B consisted of 15 patients (10 females, 5 males) received eccentric hip abduction exercise with traditional program for 3 times per week (18) sessions for 6 weeks. Patients were evaluated for EMG activity of vastus medialis obliqus and lateralis and their pain severity, function, pre and post treatment. Result: The result revealed that there was significant improvement in EMG activity of vastus medialis and lateralis, relief pain, and function between both groups but there was more significant improvement of all values in the Group of eccentric exercises than concentric. Conclusion: six weeks rehabilitation programme focus on hip strengthening exercises by eccentric or concentric way improving EMG activity of vastus medialis and lateralis, relief pain and function in patients with PFPS but the eccentric was more effective specialy in EMG activity of vastus medialis

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