Two modes of weight training programs and patellar stabilization.
BACKGROUND
Underconditioned patellar stabilizing muscles could be a predisposing factor for patellar instability.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of 2 modes of weight training on the size of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO), the resting position and passive mobility of the patella, and the strength of the knee extensor muscles.


METHODS
Prospective intervention, repeated measures in 3 groups.


METHODS
Orthopaedic and sports sciences research laboratory.


METHODS
48 healthy adults free from back and lower extremity injuries.


METHODS
Participants were randomly assigned to muscle hypertrophy training, muscle strength training, or the control group. Those in the training groups pursued training 3 times per week for 8 weeks.


METHODS
Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound cross-sectional area of the VMO, patellar tilt angle on magnetic resonance imaging, instrumented passive patellar mobility, and isometric knee extension torque of the dominant leg.


RESULTS
Participants in both training groups had comparable gains in VMO size, passive patellar stability, and knee extension force, all of which were greater than for the control group (P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Both short-term muscle hypertrophy and strength training programs can reinforce the patellar stabilizers in previously untrained volunteers.
Wong
Yiu-ming
YM
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.
Chan
Suk-tak
ST
Tang
Kwok-wing
KW
Ng
Gabriel Y F
GY