Effect of Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises on Plantar Foot Pressure Dynamics in Women with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Background and Objective: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is among the common causes of anterior knee pain in adolescents and individuals under 60 years of age. This study was conducted to determine the effect of closed kinetic chain exercises on changes in plantar foot pressure dynamics in women with PFPS. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 30 female university students aged 20 to 35 divided into two groups of 15 (one group diagnosed with PFPS and a healthy control group) at Mohaghegh Ardabili University in 2023. The PFPS group had a pain history of at least two months to a maximum of one year. The experimental group performed closed kinetic chain exercises three times a week for eight weeks. Plantar foot pressure variables were measured using a pressure foot scanner (sampling rate of 300 Hz). Results: The peak forces in the first toe during slow-speed running exhibited a statistically significant decrease in both the healthy group (64.91 ± 28.69) and the PFPS group (215.19 ± 60.28). Furthermore, the time to reach the peak ground reaction force in the PFPS group (49.65 ± 44.332) showed a statistically significant increase during the post-test at slow-speed running (P<0.05). The external heel force (153.97±3.62) and the fifth metatarsal bone (65.19±19.77) in the healthy group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the post-test compared to the PFPS group during fast-speed running (P<0.05). In both the healthy and PFPS groups, statistically significant decreases were observed in the post-test for center of pressure (COP) displacement variables in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions during both slow-speed and fast-speed running (P<0.05). Additionally, in the healthy group, a statistically significant reduction was found in the post-test for COP displacement at the first toe (64.5±51.08) during fast-speed running (P<0.05). Conclusion: Closed kinetic chain exercises lead to a statistically significant reduction in plantar foot pressure variables in women with PFPS and healthy women.