THE EFFECT OF NEUROMUSCULAR TRAINING BY LASER GUIDANCE ON HIP AND KNEE KINEMATICS ALTERATION IN PATIENTS WITH PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

Abnormal kinematics is a contributing factor to patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPs). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the laser guidance retraining (LASER) and the conventional physical therapy (control) on kinematics, pain and functional ability in PFPs. Twenty PFPs, aged 18-49, were randomized into LASER (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. Both groups received their intervention in 12 sessions for three weeks. Their hip and knee kinematics during a single leg squat were assessed by the motion analysis system. The pain and functional ability were evaluated by a 10 cm VAS and Kujala score, respectively. An independent sample t-test and a paired sample t-test were used to analyze the data. The LASER showed significantly decreased hip adduction (p=0.002) greater than the control group (p=0.001). However, there were no significant differences in pain reduction and functional ability between the groups (p=0.102 and 0.243). Both groups showed a significant pain reduction (LASER; p=0.005 and control; p=0.022). Only the LASER group showed functional ability improvement (p=0.0001). The laser guidance retraining was effective to reduce hip adduction, relieve pain and improve functional ability.-