The Efficacy of Core Training on Pain and Function in Females with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Location
Lions Eye Center
Document Type
Abstract
Start Date
7-4-2025 3:50 PM
End Date
7-4-2025 4:05 PM
Description
Introduction: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), a diagnosis of non-specific anterior knee pain, is commonly treated in physical therapy, and affects females at a higher rate than males. The current standard of care is focused on hip musculature and quadriceps strengthening.
Purpose: To determine the efficacy of core training interventions in addition to the standard of care in the treatment of females with PFPS.
Methods: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, ProQuest, and PEDro were searched from May 2024 to December 2024. Randomized controlled trials written in English and published after 2014 were included, of which examined the use of core interventions to improve pain and function (VAS, NPRS, AKPS, and LEFS) in females with PFPS compared to the standard of care.
Results: Four RCTs were included in this review (n = 126 participants, age= 17-36 years, median PEDro score = 8.5/10) examining the implementation of core training (duration of interventions: 3-8 weeks) on pain and function in women with patellofemoral pain syndrome (duration of symptoms: at least 2 months). Results demonstrated greater improvements in pain on NPRS and VAS scales and improvements in function with AKPS and LEFS scores.
Discussion: Overall, results showed a positive benefit of adding core interventions to the standard of care for treatment of females with PFPS.
Recommended Citation
Velez, Nathan; Speligene, Michaela; Deshotels, Gabby; and Henssler, Hallie, "The Efficacy of Core Training on Pain and Function in Females with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review" (2025). School of Allied Health Professions Research Day. 5.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2025/presentations/5
The Efficacy of Core Training on Pain and Function in Females with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Lions Eye Center
Introduction: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), a diagnosis of non-specific anterior knee pain, is commonly treated in physical therapy, and affects females at a higher rate than males. The current standard of care is focused on hip musculature and quadriceps strengthening.
Purpose: To determine the efficacy of core training interventions in addition to the standard of care in the treatment of females with PFPS.
Methods: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, ProQuest, and PEDro were searched from May 2024 to December 2024. Randomized controlled trials written in English and published after 2014 were included, of which examined the use of core interventions to improve pain and function (VAS, NPRS, AKPS, and LEFS) in females with PFPS compared to the standard of care.
Results: Four RCTs were included in this review (n = 126 participants, age= 17-36 years, median PEDro score = 8.5/10) examining the implementation of core training (duration of interventions: 3-8 weeks) on pain and function in women with patellofemoral pain syndrome (duration of symptoms: at least 2 months). Results demonstrated greater improvements in pain on NPRS and VAS scales and improvements in function with AKPS and LEFS scores.
Discussion: Overall, results showed a positive benefit of adding core interventions to the standard of care for treatment of females with PFPS.
Comments
Mentor: Katherine Atiyeh