The effect of an individualised functional retraining intervention on pain, function and biomechanics in participants with patellofemoral pain: a series of n of 1 trial

[Purpose] To determine the effect of an individualised functional retraining intervention on pain, function, kinematics and self-reported recovery in participants with PFP. [Participants and Methods] Thirty-one participants with unilateral PFP between the ages of 14–40 were included. Data collection and treatment sessions were conducted at the Tygerberg 3D Motion Analysis Laboratory and Physiotherapy Clinic at the University of Stellenbosch Medical School in Cape Town, South Africa. Participants underwent motion analysis testing pre- and post-intervention and attended physiotherapy weekly for a 6-week individualised intervention. [Results] Thirty of the thirty-one participants (96.8%) demonstrated improved pain levels (NPRS) post intervention. Participants demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in function (AKPS) immediately post intervention and continued to improve with greater functional scores at 6-month follow up. Fifteen participants (48.4%) rated themselves as fully recovered on a 7-point Likert scale at 6-month follow up. Nineteen of the 31 participants (61.3%) demonstrated a clinically significant improvement in their priority kinematic outcome post intervention. [Conclusion] Individualised functional retraining may improve pain, function, kinematics and long-term recovery in participants with PFP presenting with kinematic contributing factors. Clinicians need to be educated on common biomechanical contributing factors and how to tailor treatment accordingly.