Effects of comprehensive physiotherapy on pain, functionality, strength and joint space in male members of the military with dynamic knee valgus: a randomised controlled trial
Soraya Shadmanfar, Abolfazl Shakibaee, Reza Mohtashami, Gholamhosein Alishiri, Mehdi RaeiBackground/Aims
This study was designed to diagnose and treat dynamic knee valgus based on the movement system impairment classification.
Methods
A total of 80 men with dynamic knee valgus were randomly divided into experimental (n= 40, mean age: 20.07 years) and control groups (n=40, mean age: 20.22 years). The control group received knee- and hip-strengthening exercises, and the experimental group, in addition to strengthening exercises, received specific instructions in functional activities and posterior X-taping. Clinical outcomes, including pain intensity, physical function, strength of quadriceps, hip abductor and hip external rotator muscles, plus a sonographic parameter, consisting of patellar condylar distance, were measured before and after 6 weeks of intervention.
Results
Significant improvements in all variables were observed in the experimental group after the intervention when compared to the control group (P<0.05). In within-group comparison, a significant improvement in pain intensity and increased strength in three muscle groups were observed in both groups after treatment compared to before treatment (P<0.05). The patellar condylar distance and physical function demonstrated significant changes in the experimental group (P<0.05), but not in the control group (P>0.05).
Conclusions
Comprehensive physiotherapy could lead to further improvement of clinical outcomes and joint space in military individuals with dynamic knee valgus.
Implications for practice
This therapeutic programme may be an effective factor in reducing the incidence of knee overuse injuries.