Research and News
Posts tagged anterior knee pain
Thera-Band Hip Exercise Reduces Anterior Knee Pain
Jan 15th
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Anterior knee pain is often associated with hip muscle weakness of the abductors, extensors and external rotators. Dr. Vladimir Janda noted these muscles were particularly susceptible to inhibition and weakness. Hip weakness is particularly prevalent in females with anterior knee pain.
This hip weakness is thought to result in abnormal forces occurring at the knee during stance, allowing the femur to adduct more than normal, possibly leading to excessive force and/or abnormal tracking of the patellofemoral joint.
Traditionally, anterior knee pain was thought to result from quadriceps weakness, particularly from the vastus medialis muscle. Recent biomechanical and epidemiological data suggest however, that hip weakness may play a more important role in the etiology of patellofemoral pain.
Several studies have evaluated the use of elastic resistance in reducing patellofemoral pain. In a systematic review of elastic resistance in patellofemoral pain, Page concluded “Exercise interventions including elastic resistance in patients with PFPS are effective at reducing pain and improving function and strength.” Many protocols in the review, however, included both hip and knee strengthening…leaving the question of the effectiveness of hip exercises.
In the January 2012 issue of More >
Thera-Band exercise program helps reduce knee pain
Jul 3rd
Patellofemoral pain syndrome results in chronic anterior knee pain, and is often associated with delayed and reduced activation of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscle. Therapeutic exercise is often prescribed to help improve the strength and onset timing of the VMO. Patellar taping is also used in managing anterior knee pain, and is often worn by the patient throughout the day.
Researchers in Turkey wanted to see if an exercise program for patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome could be effective with shorter tape application times (tape worn only during exercise sessions versus worn all day long). First, they compared the VMO muscle activation of 12 men with patellofemoral pain syndrome to 16 healthy controls. The patient group had significantly slower activation of the VMO compared to the control group, as well as significantly reduced strength and activation levels of the affected side compared to the unaffected side.
The 3 month home exercise program for patellofemoral pain syndrome used patellar taping only while exercises were performed, 3 times per day for 30 minutes per session. The progressive exercise program used Thera-Band® Exercise Bands and Stability Trainers. After the exercise program, the patellofemoral patients normalized their VMO activation timing and strength to symmetrical levels that were the same More >
Elastic resistance training can be effective for treating anterior knee pain
Apr 19th
Elastic resistance is often prescribed as part of a rehabilitation program for anterior knee pain (patellofemoral pain syndrome), but its overall efficacy remains unclear. I recently published a systematic review of the topic in the journal, Sports Health. Eight studies using elastic resistance training met the criteria for the review. The exercises typically involved strengthening the hip muscles with 4-direction Thera-Band® kicks, but each study used a different exercise program with elastic resistance. Download an anterior knee pain exercise program with Thera-Band® elastic resistance here.
While each study found significant improvements in pain, due to the study designs (lack of true control), it’s difficult to determine if the elastic resistance was the primary factor for the reduction in pain. However, we can conclude that exercise programs utilizing Thera-Band elastic resistance products can help reduce pain and increase function and strength in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.
REFERENCE: Page P. Effectiveness of elastic resistance in rehabilitation of patients with patellofemoral syndrome: What is the evidence? Sports Health. 2011. 3(2):190-94.
Visit the Thera-Band Academy Anterior Knee Pain Resource Center Here
Exercise program helps young females with anterior knee pain
Mar 22nd
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is characterized by pain around the kneecap that increases with prolonged activity or prolonged sitting. It is more common in females and is associated with weakness of the hip, particularly hip abductors, extensors and rotators (Prins et al. 2009). This weakness is thought to lead to biomechanical deficits at the knee, most notably an increased knee abduction torque, which may alter patellar alignment over the distal femur at the knee. In addition, researchers (Leetun et al. 2004) have found that athletes with weak hip abductors and extensors in pre-participation screenings are more likely to be injured.
Therapeutic exercise programs strengthening the ‘proximal’ musculature (hip and core) have been successful in relieving symptoms of anterior knee pain. One study (Thomee 1997) using Thera-Band® resistance bands reported that 85% of females with anterior knee pain returned to sports after a 12-week exercise program. Recently, a paper in the American Journal of Sports Medicine reported on the outcomes of an eight-week exercise program in a series of young females with patellofemoral pain syndrome. The progressive, three-phase exercise program included “Monster Walks” with Thera-Band® elastic resistance bands. Download the exercise protocol here.
After the eight-week exercise program, 17 out of 19 (89%) of the participants had More >
