Bmc Musculoskel Dis
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Bmc Musculoskel Dis · Jan 2016
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of rehabilitation approaches for runners with patellofemoral pain: protocol of a randomised clinical trial addressing specific underlying mechanisms.
Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is highly prevalent in runners, and often leads to functional limitations and cessation of running. Training errors as well as decreased lower limb strength and control during running have all been associated with PFP. While strengthening and gait retraining are commonly used by clinicians, no randomised clinical trial has compared these modalities in runners with PFP. The primary objective of this randomised clinical trial will be to compare the effects of three rehabilitation programs targeting different key factors on symptoms and functional limitations of runners with PFP. The secondary objective will be to explore the factors leading to clinical improvement. ⋯ Studies with a high level of evidence are needed to determine the best rehabilitation interventions for runners with PFP. This randomised clinical trial will be the first to compare programs targeting different key factors linked with PFP. Results may guide clinicians and improve their clinical outcomes when treating runners with PFP.