Research Summary
Pool-Based Jump Training Eased Kneecap Pain in Teens More Than Standard Exercises in a 56-Person Trial
Jump-style exercises done in a pool reduced kneecap pain and built leg strength in teenagers more than a conventional exercise program. That is the finding of a new randomized trial published in the Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine.
What was studied
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is pain around or behind the kneecap. It is common in active young people, and the challenge in treating it is building strength without overloading the knee. Water supports part of your body weight, so researchers in Saudi Arabia and Egypt tested whether plyometric exercises (quick jumping and bounding movements) done in water could help.
They ran a randomized controlled trial with 56 adolescents aged 10 to 18 with patellofemoral pain. One group did aquatic plyometrics and the other did conventional exercises. Both groups trained for 45 minutes twice a week for 12 weeks. The team measured pain, thigh muscle strength (quadriceps and hamstrings) on a testing machine, functional disability and quality of life before and after treatment.
Key findings
- The pool-based group had greater pain relief than the conventional exercise group.
- Quadriceps and hamstring strength increased more in the aquatic group at both testing speeds.
- The aquatic group also had a greater reduction in functional disability and a bigger improvement in health-related quality of life.
- The statistical effect sizes were mostly moderate.
What it means for people with knee pain
For teens with kneecap pain, exercise in water may be a useful way to train harder while keeping stress on the knee lower. It may be worth asking a physical therapist whether pool-based training is an option, especially if land exercises are painful.
Limitations
This was a small, single trial in adolescents, and results were measured right after the 12-week program, so long-term benefits are unknown. The findings may not apply to adults, and not everyone has easy access to a pool and supervised aquatic therapy.
Frequently asked questions
- What is patellofemoral pain syndrome?
- It is pain around or behind the kneecap, often made worse by stairs, squatting, running or sitting for a long time. It is common in active teens and young adults.
- What are aquatic plyometrics?
- Plyometrics are quick jumping and bounding exercises. Doing them in water lets the body be partly supported, which may reduce stress on the knee while still building strength.
- How much training did the teens in this study do?
- Both groups did 45-minute sessions twice a week for 12 weeks. The pool-based group improved more in pain, strength, disability and quality of life.
Sudden severe pain, swelling, or can't bear weight? Seek medical care promptly. In an emergency call 911.