Author(s)

Seyedehzahra Salamifar, Mohammad Hossein Nasermeli^*, Behnaz Ganji Namin

Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran.

Background: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common conditions among athletes. Although there are various causes for this condition, reduced balance is the problem most frequently expressed by these patients. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of Extensor Muscle Sling Isometric and Isotonic (EMSII) exercises of lower limbs on female basketball players suffering from PFPS. Method: A total of 30 participants, all female basketball players suffering from PFPS, with an average age of 20 - 30 years, were divided into two isometric/isotonic and control experimental groups. Eight weeks of isometric and isotonic exercises were recommended to the participants with a focus on EMSII exercises of lower limbs in two four-week phases. The control group received no specific exercise program. Pre-test and post-test included the use of Stork balance test (SBT) and Y Balance tests (YBT) to assess the static and dynamic balance, respectively. Results: After eight weeks of performing separate isometric and isotonic exercises on the mentioned muscles, and according to the results of the pre-test, a significant increase was observed in the results of both static and dynamic balance tests (P < 0.05). Conclusion: EMSII exercises of lower limbs showed a significant effect on the increased balance. Recommended exercises can be suggested according to the type of exercises as a factor for increasing static and dynamic balance.

Isometric Exercises, Isotonic Exercises, Muscle Slings, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Salamifar, S. , Nasermeli, M. and Namin, B. (2017) The Effect of Isometric and Isotonic Exercises of Lower Limbs Extensor Sling on Static and Dynamic Balance in Basketball Players with Patellofemoral Pain. Health, 9, 1355-1366. doi: 10.4236/health.2017.910099.