Effects of Core Stability and Neuromuscular Training Methods on Knee Pain, Knee Function, and Center of Pressure Oscillations in Individuals With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Clinical Trial

Document Type : Original article

Authors

1 Department of Sports Injury and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.

2 Department of Biomechanics and Sports Injury, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Department of Sport Coaching, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

10.32598/SJRM.14.4.3364

Abstract

Background and Aims Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common causes of anterior knee pain in young active people and athletes. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of six weeks of core stability training (CST) and neuromuscular training (NMT) on knee pain, center of pressure (COP) oscillations, and knee function in individuals with PFPS.
Methods This is a randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 45 participants with PFPS were randomly assigned to CST, NMT, or control groups. The interventions were performed at three sessions per week for six weeks. Pain (using the visual analog scale), static balance (COP oscillations measured by a force plate), and knee function (bilateral squat and step-down tests) were assessed before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test and ANCOVA in SPSS software, version 21.
Results Both CST and NMT groups showed significant reductions in pain intensity and COP oscillations, and significant improvements in two knee function tests after interventions (P<0.001), while the control group showed no significant changes after interventions. The NMT group showed more reduction in pain intensity (P=0.001) and COP oscillations (P=0.001) and a greater increase in bilateral squat (P=0.001) and step-down (P=0.001) test scores than the CST after interventions.
Conclusion Both CST and NMT methods can be effective in reducing pain and improving static balance and knee function in individuals with PFPS, where the NMT method is more effective. It is recommended that NMT be integrated into standard rehabilitation protocols for these patients to achieve optimal outcomes.

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The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
Volume 14, Issue 4
September and October 2025
Pages 652-669

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History

  • Receive Date: 10 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 28 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 31 May 2025
  • First Publish Date: 31 May 2025

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