The effect of postural stabilization exercises on pain and function in females with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of postural stabilization exercises on pain, muscle strength and function in females with patellofemoral pain. Methods: Forty-two volunteers with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) were included in this study. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 performed therapeutic knee and postural stabilization exercises (n=22); Group 2 performed therapeutic knee exercises only (n=20). All patients were evaluated for pain, hamstring flexibility, function, lower extremity strength and postural control before and after treatment and at the 12th week. A two-way ANOVA was done within each group before and after treatment and at the 12th week. The level of significance was set at p 0.05, and when this was observed, the Tukey test was used to determine which group had caused the significance. Results: The results were statistically significant between the groups in terms of pain, flexibility, function, strength, endurance, postural control and the parameters of the Kujala patellofemoral pain scale (p 0.05). For all parameters, Group 1 achieved the greater success after treatment (p 0.05). Conclusion: The implementation of physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs including postural stabilization exercises may improve strength and function and reduce pain in patients with PFPS.