Quadriceps Muscle Architecture: Role Of Quadriceps Strengthening In Subjects With Patello Femoral Pain – An Anatomical Study

Abstract

Background: A common ailment affecting the musculoskeletal system, patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is characterized by discomfort and pain in the knee's anterior region. Malfunctioning of the muscles in the lower extremities has a substantial impact on the emergence of patellofemoral pain syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Quadriceps strengthening exercises on quadriceps muscle architecture and knee function in subjects with anterior knee pain. Methods: 60 male and femalesubjects aged 18–40 years diagnosed with anterior knee pain were randomly assigned into group A(n=30) and group B (n=30). Group A subjects were given 10-week quadriceps strengthening program. Group B subjectswere advised to take rest & not to involve in painful activitiesfor the same period. Cross sectional area(CSA),pennationangles (PA) andfasciclelength (FL)of the Vastus Medialis (VM), Vastuslateralis (VL) and Rectus Femoris (RF) muscles of the affected knee were measured at rest by B-modeul trasonography. Knee pain and function were evaluated using visual analoguescale (VAS) and Kujala Score. All variables wereevaluated before and at the end of the intervention period for both groups. Results: At the end of the program, group A subjects showed significant improvements compared with group B subjects regarding the muscle architecture parameters (p<0.05). Also, there was significant improvement in post-test VAS, Q angle and Kujala scores in group Asubjects compared to group B subjects (p<0.05). Conclusion: A 10-week quadriceps Strengthening programimproves musclearchitecture & knee functioninsubjectswith Anterior knee pain.