Would integrating monochromatic infrared energy into the physical rehabilitation of adolescents with patellofemoral pain syndrome have any advantageous effects? A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess and compare changes in pain, balance, functional status, and health-related quality of life between adolescents with patellofemoral pain syndrome undergoing 12 weeks of monochromatic infrared energy application as an adjuvant to physical rehabilitation and those receiving physical rehabilitation alone. Randomized controlled trial. Adolescents aged 15-18. 46 adolescents were randomly assigned to receive either a standard physical therapy programme or monochromatic infrared energy plus the standard programme. Pain intensity, dynamic postural control, functional status, and health-related quality of life were evaluated pre- and post-intervention. The study group showed a greater reduction in pain intensity (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.36), improvement in dynamic postural control, towards the anterior (p = 0.002; η2 = 0.20), posteromedial (p = 0.009; η2 = 0.14), posterolateral (p = 0.018; η2 = 0.12) directions, and composite postural control (p = 0.001; η2 = 0.24), and enhancement of functional status (p = 0.013; η2 = 0.13) from the pre- to post-treatment occasion than the control group. Moreover, the study group reported better quality of life: physical health (p = 0.035; η2 = 0.10), psychosocial health (p = 0.005; η2 = 0.17), and overall (p = 0.001; η2 = 0.21). Monochromatic infrared energy is likely beneficial in adolescents with patellofemoral pain syndrome.