A153: Rehabilitation Research on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) in Female Judo Athletes

Abstract

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a prevalent knee disorder among athletes, known for its high incidence rate and propensity to progress into chronic conditions. Female athletes are more vulnerable due to inherent hip-knee muscle imbalances and aberrant movement patterns. Unfortunately, dedicated rehabilitation studies focusing on female judo athletes remain scarce. This research aims to alleviate PFPS symptoms by implementing core and functional training regimens and to analyze the significance of hip-knee muscle balance in the recovery process. Sixteen female judo athletes from the Henan Heavy Combat Sports Management Center, diagnosed with PFPS, were randomly into an experimental group (n=8) and a control group (n=8). The experimental group underwent a six-week training protocol including core stability exercises (e.g., transversus abdominis activation) and functional drills (e.g., hip bridges), with exercise intensity adjusted to individual capabilities. The control group received no intervention. Assessments included the Lysholm Knee Function Scale, IKDC subjective score, and hip-knee muscle strength measurements using Keiser equipment. Paired t-tests were used to analyze pre- and post-rehabilitation differences, with statistical significance set at P \u3c 0.05. In the experimental group, the Lysholm score increased significantly from 63.13 ± 5.14 to 83.75 ± 1.16 (P \u3c 0.01), and the IKDC score improved from 59.00 ± 8.32 to 75.13 ± 2.99 (P \u3c 0.01). Significant improvements were observed in affected-side hip abduction (73.25 → 83.87 lb), hip extension (27.00 → 37.62 lb), and knee flexion-extension strength (P \u3c 0.01). Post-rehabilitation, bilateral hip-knee muscle strength reached equilibrium (P \u3e 0.05). The control group showed only marginal improvement in the IKDC score (60.78 → 63.35, P \u3c 0.05). Core and functional training effectively improved knee function and alleviated pain in PFPS patients by correcting muscle imbalances. Strengthening hip abduction and extension muscles is critical, though insufficient focus on adductor muscles may hinder long-term recovery. Given the limited sample size and lack of long-term follow-up, future studies should expand participant numbers and observation periods. This research provides a tailored rehabilitation framework for judo athletes, emphasizing hip stability training