Which exercise program improves on postural control and functional alignment in individuals with dynamic knee valgus? : Pilates vs neuromuscular exercises

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of neuromuscular exercise or well-structured Pilates exercise training in individuals with excessive inward movement of the knee during dynamic activities. Prospective, Single blind, randomize controlled trial. Thirty-six participants were randomly assigned into three groups: Neuromuscular (mean age: 23.0±1.7yrs; <i>n</i>=12), Pilates (mean age: 23.5±1.8yrs; <i>n</i>=12), and control group (mean age: 22.0±1.9yrs; <i>n</i>=12). All participants were assessed before and after a six-week intervention period by using single leg squat and drop jump tests for frontal plane angle, single leg vertical jump, balance tests, and isometric muscle strength tests and completed 18sessions with physiotherapist-supervised over 6-weeks, 3-times per week. There were significant improvements in the Pilates in frontal plane projection angle during drop jump (<i>p</i>=0.002), strength of the rectus femoris muscle (<i>p</i>=0.006), total postural stability (<i>p</i>=0.020), and anterior-posterior stability (<i>p</i>=0.006). There were statistically significant in frontal plane angle during single leg squat and in both the neuromuscular (<i>p</i>=0.007) and Pilates (<i>p</i>=0.002) groups. Both groups showed significant gains in postural control during the limits of stability test (<i>p</i><0.05). Pilates exercises may offer a safe and effective method to reduce excessive knee inward movement and enhance neuromuscular control.