Effect of releasing myofascial chain in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome-a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is characterized by diffuse anterior knee pain. Musculoskeletal dysfunction arises from alterations in the deep fascia that pull or crowd the osseous structures out of alignment resulting in pain and dysfunc-tion. Purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of releasing myofascial chain in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Methods: 40 patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Experimental group (n=20) mean age 36.60±7.36 was treated with Myofascial chain release and exercise therapy. Control group (n=20) mean age 32.25±9.11 was treated with exercise therapy, three sessions in a week for a period of 4 weeks. Kujala, Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Patient specific functional scale (PSFS) were used as outcome measures. Paired & unpaired t test was used for statistical analysis Results: Both groups showed statistically significant change in all the three outcome measures. The experimental group showed (p<0.001) for Kujala questionnaire, (p=0.004) for Patient specific functional scale and (p<0.001) for visual analogue scale. Conclusion: Results suggest that Myofascial chain release showed superior improvement. This is due to the release of inter-connected fascia that corrects lower extremity kinematics thereby reducing pain and improving functional activities and reducing the stress on patellofemoral joint.