Evaluation of lumbopelvic stabilization in patellofemoral pain syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a prevalent knee condition in physically active individuals, with a multifactorial etiology. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of lumbopelvic stabilization in treating patients with PFPS.

The study involved 28 PFPS patients and 28 healthy controls, all aged between 18 and 45 years. Sociodemographic data were collected, and measurements were taken using ultrasonography (USG) to assess muscle thickness of the transverse abdominis (TrA) and multifidus lumborum (ML), as well as static and dynamic endurance of the trunk muscles in both groups. Pain levels were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and knee function was assessed using the Kujala Patellofemoral Rating Questionnaire (KPSQ).

The TrA and ML muscle thicknesses were symmetrical and statistically similar in both the PFPS and control groups at rest and during contraction (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were found between the muscle thicknesses of the PFPS and control groups for both the right (p < 0.01) and left sides (p < 0.01), both at rest and during contraction. Additionally, significant differences were observed in the dynamic and static trunk endurance tests between the PFPS and control groups (p < 0.001). Pain levels and knee functionality also differed significantly between the two groups (p < 0.001).

The findings of this study indicate that individuals with PFPS exhibited differences in the thickness of the TrA and ML muscles compared to asymptomatic controls, suggesting potential lumbopelvic involvement in PFPS pathology.