Guilherme S Nunes, Matheus Weide Solner, Jênifer de Oliveira, Bruna Wageck, Anna Julia Meireles Dangui
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objective: To investigate whether muscle strength changes observed in randomised controlled trials involving people with patellofemoral pain (PFP) are associated with concurrent changes in pain and physical function.
Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis, applying a two-stage structural equation modelling approach with random-effects estimation.
Eligibility criteria: Randomised clinical trials assessing non-surgical and non-pharmacological interventions that reported both muscle strength and at least one clinical outcome (pain or function) in people with PFP.
Data sources: CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline and SPORTDiscus were searched from inception to April 2026.
Results: From 16,750 records screened, 82 trials met the eligibility criteria (4023 participants). Regarding self-reported pain outcomes, low to moderate evidence certainty indicated significant associations between strength improvements and pain reduction for knee extensors (r = - 0.75, β = - 0.21), knee flexors (r = - 0.46, β = - 0.14), hip abductors (r = - 0.91, β = - 0.31), hip adductors (r = - 0.26, β = - 0.19), hip external rotators (r = - 0.24, β = - 0.06), hip internal rotators (r = - 0.79, β = - 0.31) and hip extensors (r = - 0.58, β = - 0.26). Regarding self-reported function, low to high evidence certainty indicated that strength improvements in knee extensors (r = 0.70, β = 0.15), knee flexors (r = 0.46, β = 0.07), hip abductors (r = 0.94, β = 0.15), hip adductors (r = 0.55, β = 0.11), and hip internal rotators (r = 0.98, β = 0.06) were significantly associated with improved function.
Conclusions: This review provides evidence that improvements in lower limb muscle strength are associated with improvements in pain and physical function among people with PFP. These findings reinforce the clinical relevance of strength-focused rehabilitation, particularly targeting the knee and hip muscles.
期刊介绍:
Sports Medicine focuses on providing definitive and comprehensive review articles that interpret and evaluate current literature, aiming to offer insights into research findings in the sports medicine and exercise field. The journal covers major topics such as sports medicine and sports science, medical syndromes associated with sport and exercise, clinical medicine's role in injury prevention and treatment, exercise for rehabilitation and health, and the application of physiological and biomechanical principles to specific sports.
Types of Articles:
Review Articles: Definitive and comprehensive reviews that interpret and evaluate current literature to provide rationale for and application of research findings.
Leading/Current Opinion Articles: Overviews of contentious or emerging issues in the field.
Original Research Articles: High-quality research articles.
Enhanced Features: Additional features like slide sets, videos, and animations aimed at increasing the visibility, readership, and educational value of the journal's content.
Plain Language Summaries: Summaries accompanying articles to assist readers in understanding important medical advances.
Peer Review Process:
All manuscripts undergo peer review by international experts to ensure quality and rigor. The journal also welcomes Letters to the Editor, which will be considered for publication.