Aquatic Plyometrics for Adolescents With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

This study was designed to assess the effect of a 12-week hydro-kinetic plyometric (HK-Plyo) training on pain, muscle strength, disability, and quality of life (QoL) in adolescents with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Fifty-six adolescents with PFPS were randomly allocated to the HK-Plyo group (n = 28, received the plyometric-based hydro-kinetic therapy program, twice/week, over 12 weeks) or the control group (n = 28, received standard exercise program). Both groups were assessed for pain, muscle strength, disability, and QoL pre and post-treatment.

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age of 10-18 years 2. Verified diagnosis of PFPS based on the ICD classification system (ICD-10 code for PFPS: M22.2X9) 3. Pain more than 3 on (0-10 pain scale). 4. Persistent pain more than 3 months 5. Pain get worse with activities and get better with rest. Exclusion Criteria: 1. History of knee surgery 2. Recent trauma 3. Corticosteroids or anti-inflammatory medications in the past 6 months 4. Patellar subluxation or dislocation