Document Type : Original article
Authors
1
1. PhD Student in Sports Injury and Corrective Exercises, Department of Sports Injury and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
2
MSc Student in Sports Injury, Department of Biomechanics and Sports Injury, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
3
Department of Biomechanics and Sports Injuries, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
4
Department of Sport Coaching, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
10.22037/sjrm.2025.117448.3364
Abstract
Introduction and Objectives:
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common causes of anterior knee pain in young individuals and athletes. It is often associated with core muscle weakness, postural control impairments, and lower limb biomechanical abnormalities. This study aimed to investigate and compare the effectiveness of six weeks of Core Stability Training (CST) and Neuromuscular Training (NMT) on pain intensity, center of pressure (COP) fluctuations, and functional performance in individuals with PFPS.
Materials and Methods:
This randomized controlled trial was conducted with three parallel groups (two intervention groups and one control group). A total of 45 participants with PFPS were randomly assigned to CST, NMT, or control groups. The interventions lasted six weeks, with three training sessions per week. Pain (VAS scale), static balance (COP measured by force plate), and knee function (squat and step-down tests) were assessed before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests, ANCOVA, and SPSS software.
Results:
Both the CST and NMT groups showed significant reductions in pain intensity (VAS), center of pressure (COP) oscillations, and improvements in motor function (squat and step-down) compared to the control group (all changes: P < 0.001). However, the NMT group improved more in all components. Specifically, the NMT group performed significantly better than the CST in pain intensity reduction (P = 0.001), COP reduction (P = 0.001), and squat (P = 0.001) and step-down performance scores (P = 0.001).
Conclusion:
Neuromuscular training was more effective than core stability training in improving pain, static balance, and knee function in individuals with PFPS. It is recommended that NMT be integrated into standard rehabilitation protocols for these patients to achieve optimal outcomes.
Keywords:
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Neuromuscular Training, Core Stability Training, Postural Control, Functional Performance, Knee Pain
Keywords
Main Subjects
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