Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of electromyographic (EMG)-Biofeedback using closed kinetic chain exercise (EB-CKCE) on quadriceps angle (Q-angle) and quadriceps muscle activation and muscle activation ratio in subjects wit...
Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of electromyographic (EMG)-Biofeedback using closed kinetic chain exercise (EB-CKCE) on quadriceps angle (Q-angle) and quadriceps muscle activation and muscle activation ratio in subjects with patellofemoral pain syndrome and to provide fundamental information on rehabilitation exercise in patellofemoral pain syndrome. Methods: Thirty participants who met the criteria were included. The subjects were randomly divided into three groups: control group (Group I, n=10), semi-squat exercise group (Group II, n=10), and EMG-Biofeedback using closed kinetic chain exercise group (Group III, n=10). Intervention was provided to each group for eight weeks (three times per week; 30 minutes per day). Subjects were measured on Q-angle and quadriceps muscle activation. Results: Significant difference in Q-angle and quadriceps muscle activation was observed in groups II and III compared with control group I (p<0.01). Results of post-hoc analysis showed a significant difference in Q-angle and quadriceps muscle activation in on group III compared with groups I and II. Conclusion: Findings of this study suggest that closed kinetic chain exercise using EMG-Biofeedback that provides real-time biofeedback information on muscle contraction may have a beneficial effect on improvement of Q-angle and quadriceps muscle activation in patellofemoral pain syndrome.