Comparison of the Superiority of Quadriceps Strengthening Isometric and Isotonic Exercises with Respect to Pain, Quality of Life, and Functional Capacity of Patients with Chondromalacia Patellae

Authors : Erkan Özduran, Aliye Yildirim Güzelant

Pages : 111-121

Doi:10.30621/jbachs.1075389

View : 19 | Download : 6

Publication Date : 2023-01-31

Article Type : Research

Abstract :Purpose: This study aims to investigate the superiority of different exercise modalities, including isotonic and isometric strengthening for quadriceps, over each other and their effect on pain, quality of life and functional capacity in patients diagnosed with chondromalacia patellae (CMP). Methods: This study was designed as a prospective study in 30 patients(15 patients in isometric, 15 patients in isotonic group) and 15 healthy volunteers aged 20–50 years who were diagnosed with CMP based on physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging and had pain complaints. Pain level was evaluated with Visual Analogue Scala (VAS), functional capacity with Lysholm scale, and quality of life with Short Form-36(SF-36). Q-angle, and thigh circumference were evaluated before and after exercise in all patients. Results: In patients with CMP, there were significant differences in Q-angle, pain, functional capacity, and some subcomponents of the SF-36 quality of life after performing isometric or isotonic exercises compared with the control group (p 0,05). In the evaluation of the isotonic and isometric exercise groups, there were no significant difference in the assessment of Q-angle, thigh circumference, pain, functional capacity, and quality of life of patients with CMP (p>0,05). Conclusion: Isometric and isotonic quadriceps strengthening exercises are not superior to each other in terms of pain, functional capacity, and quality of life in CMP treatment.
Keywords : Cartilage, Chondromalacia patellae, Exercise, Knee, Patellofemoral pain syndrome