Background and Objective: Patellofemoral pain syndrome is the most common knee musculoskeletal disorder. The aim of this study was to evaluate three therapeutic protocols’ effects on pain, disability, static balance and quality of life in women with patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 45 women with patellofemoral pain syndrome were selected and divided in three groups randomly: aquatic therapy exercises, aquatic therapy with temporary kinesiotape and aquatic therapy with permanent kinesiotape. In order to assess the pain, McGuillan's questionnaire, to assess the disability, Vanukurf questionnaire, to assess the balance, Biodex Balance System, and to assess the quality of life changes, Sherne Bourne questionnaire was used. Paired sample t-test and one way ANOVA were used to means comparison. We considered α 0.05.
Results: The results showed that there was no significant difference between the pretest-posttest mean differences in disability, static balance and quality of life among groups except pain (P=0/02). However, the results of t-test showed significant differences between pretest to posttest about three factors, in three groups. Pain relief was significant in sensory (P=0/0001), as well as disability (P=0/0001) and quality of life (P=0/0001) were significant. Balance in open eyes position was significant (POA=0/01), (PAP=0/05) and in closed eyes position in two index was significant (POA=0/02), (PAP=0/01).
Conclusion: aquatic therapy with permanent kinesiotape had more effect on pain reduction. On the other hand, pain can effect on quality of life, so we recommend aquatic therapy with kinesiotape as an effective protocol to patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.