Anterior knee pain: a clinical comparison of rehabilitation methods.
OBJECTIVE
To compare different types of rehabilitation for anterior knee pain.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized, blinded, and controlled study of 64 participants with anterior knee pain.


METHODS
Outpatient rehabilitation clinic and testing laboratory.


METHODS
Participants were assigned in randomized fashion to three rehabilitation groups: traditional home rehabilitation (n = 20); physical therapy (n = 21); and home rehabilitation with a modified vastus medialis obliquis (VMO) specific straight leg raise (Muncie method; n = 23).


METHODS
Clinical data was obtained at 0, 2, 6, and 12 weeks. Cybex testing was performed at 0, 6, and 12 weeks.


RESULTS
Clinical outcome for the Muncie method indicated a statistically significant improvement in subjective pain and functional impairment ratings. Cybex testing in patients using the Muncie method demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in pain-free isometric contractions and maximum voluntary contraction. There were no significant differences between traditional home therapy and physical therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest that the Muncie method results in improved clinical outcome at a lower cost than traditional home and physical therapy and possibly improved VMO/quadriceps muscle balance. Patients with anterior knee pain may benefit from applying the Muncie method in a home therapy program.
Roush
M B
MB
Central Indiana Sports Medicine, Muncie, USA.
Sevier
T L
TL
Wilson
J K
JK
Jenkinson
D M
DM
Helfst
R H
RH
Gehlsen
G M
GM
Basey
A L
AL
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome