Effects of whole body vibration training on isokinetic muscular performance, pain, function, and quality of life in female patients with patellofemoral pain: a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) training on isokinetic muscular performance, pain, function, and quality of life in patients with patellofemoral pain (PFP). METHODS: Forty women with PFP were included in this study and assigned to either a WBV group that received WBV training plus home exercise or a control group that performed home exercise only. A supervised WBV training was performed in 24 sessions on a synchronous vertical vibration platform three times a week for eight weeks. The home exercise program in the control group was identical to that in the WBV group. Isokinetic measurements were performed at baseline and post-treatment. In addition, patients were assessed after 6 months using a visual analog scale (VAS), Kujala Patellofemoral Score (KPS), and Short Form-36 (SF-36). RESULTS: Total work of knee extensors and VAS improved significantly post-treatment in the WBV group compared to the control group (P=0.041, P=0.003, respectively). However, there was no significant difference between groups at the 6-month follow-up (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present findings recommended that eight weeks of WBV training plus home exercise can more effectively reduce pain and improve the endurance of the knee extensors than that of home exercise of patient with PFP.