The effect of resistance training with different weight adjustments on muscle strength, muscle endurance and movement performance in women with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Subject Areas : Effects of Movement and Exercise in Health

Shahin Mirpour Shirkhoda ^{1 *} , Mohammadmehdi SafaiiZadeh ² , Ebrahim Basivand ³ , Mona Sadat Kimiaea ⁴

1 - MSc, Department of Pathology and Corrective Movements, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
2 - Department of Pathology and Corrective Movements, Boroujerd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Boroujerd, Iran
3 - Department of Exercise Physiology, Boroujerd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Boroujerd, Iran
4 - Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran

Received: 2024-08-01 Accepted : 2025-06-20 Published : 2025-06-21

Keywords: Patellofemoral pain syndrome, Exercise training, Weight adjustment, Pain, Muscle function,

Abstract :

Background and Purpose: One of the therapeutic interventions in patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is rehabilitation of motor movement with exercise. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of resistance training with different weight adjustments on muscle and motor function in women with PFPS.

Material and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 75 women with PFPS were selected by purposive sampling method and randomly divided into 5 weight adjustment groups (1/4 body weight , 1/2 body weight, 3/4 body weight ), and without weight adjustment and the control group were divided. The exercise protocol included selected resistance and functional exercises to strengthen hip and knee muscles, which were performed on stable and unstable surfaces.

Results: In the training groups were founded a significant increase in muscle strength and endurance, as well as an improvement in motor movement compared to the pre-test, and control group (P < 0.001). there was a significant increase in the strength of the extensor muscles in the intervention groups compared to the control group (P < 0.010). There was a significant difference in the increase in strength in the 1.2 weight adjustment and 3.4 weight adjustment groups compared to the group without weight adjustment (P<0.010), but there was a significant difference between the 1.2 weight adjustment and 3.4 weight adjustment groups (P<0.05). Also, no significant difference was observed between the 1.4 groups with weight adjustment and without weight adjustment (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Based on the findings of this research, resistance training improves muscle function in women with PFPS. It seems that weight adjustment of more than 1.2% of body weight can improve the quality of exercise and result in neuromuscular adaptations, including increased extensor muscle strength in PFPS.

References:


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