EFFECT OF AQUATIC EXERCISES ON PATELLOFEMORAL JOINT DYSFUNCTION IN MIDDLE AGE OBESE WOMEN

Background: The patellofemoral joint, known for its incongruence, is susceptible to dysfunction due to abnormal pathomechanics, especially with increased body mass causing excessive stress on knee cartilage, leading to degeneration and dysfunction. Dysfunction results in pain, limited range of motion, and diminished quality of life. Objectives: To determine the effect of aquatic exercises on patellofemoral joint dysfunction in middle-aged obese women and to compare the effect of aquatic exercises with land-based exercises on patellofemoral joint dysfunction in middle-aged obese women. Methods: In this experimental study, 100 subjects with patellofemoral joint dysfunction were separated into group A (Land-based exercises) and group B (Aquatic exercises). Pre-test and post-test evaluations were conducted over an 6-weeks treatment period using paired t test. Results: Statistical analysis revealed an extremely significant improvement in both group A and group B, indicating the effectiveness of both exercise interventions. Paired t test was used for interpretation of results. There was statistically significant difference in pre and post values in both the groups , having more improvement in group B than group A in the terms of pain, range of motion, and patellofemoral joint evaluation scale. Conclusion: The study concludes that subjects engaging in aquatic exercises demonstrated significant improvements, highlighting the efficacy of this intervention.