Mobilization-with-movement prior to exercise provides early pain and functionality improvements in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common musculoskeletal dysfunction presenting with pain at the anterior aspect of the knee joint. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether implementation of mobilization-with-movement (MWM) prior to hip or knee exercises can achieve early pain and functional ability improvements in patients with PFPS. Methods Fifteen males and 25 females, 18–40 years of age with PFPS, were randomly assigned into three treatment groups. Patients in Groups A and B received MWMs for 1 week and performed either hip or knee exercises, respectively, for five more weeks. Physiotherapeutic modalities were implemented for 6 weeks in patients of Group C, who served as control. Pain and function was measured pre-intervention, post-MWM application, and post-intervention, using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). Results The study revealed significantly improved post-MWM VAS and LEFS scores compared to pre-intervention scores for both Groups A and B (P < 0.001). Patients in Groups A and B demonstrated significantly improved post-MWM and post-intervention VAS and LEFS scores compared to Group C (P < 0.001). Post-intervention VAS and LEFS scores, however, between Groups A and B were not statistically significant. Discussion Our findings suggest that MWMs improve pain and function in PFPS patients within 1 week of application. Further improvements may be achieved by implementing either hip or knee exercises.