he data used in this article are available from the authors through a formal request
Description
Purpose: To find out if Russian and Aussie currents contribute to the effects of isokinetic training in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome, and to compare their effectiveness on symptoms, pain, functional mobility, and quality of life. Design: Fifty-nine patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome were randomized into four groups. One group received only isokinetic training, while others received Russian and Aussie current or placebo electrical stimulation additionally, during five-days a week, for three weeks. The outcome measures were the Patellofemoral Pain Severity Scale, Stair Climbing Test, Anterior Knee Pain Scale, Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale, and Short Form-36, which were evaluated before and after the treatment programs and at the end of a three-week control period. Results: The severity of symptoms and pain decreased, and the functional mobility, activity limitations and quality of life improved significantly after interventions (p<0.05). These effects were maintained at the control period (p<0.05). The amount of change in Patellofemoral Pain Severity Scale and quality of life scores was higher in the Russian and Aussie current groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: IT is effective in improving the symptoms, pain, functionality and quality of life in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome, and burst-modulated medium-frequency alternating currents can provide extra benefits especially on the symptoms, pain and quality of life.