Clinical and functional outcomes of aquatic plyometrics in adolescent patellofemoral pain syndrome: a dual-arm randomized controlled trial

Optimal management of adolescent patellofemoral pain syndrome requires evidence-based interventions that maximize physical recovery without overloading the patellofemoral joint. This study investigated the efficacy of aquatic plyometric (Aquatic-Plyo) exercises on pain, muscle strength, and functional disability and health-related quality of life in this demographic.

A dual-arm randomized controlled trial.

56 adolescents with patellofemoral pain syndrome (age: 10-18 years).

Adolescents were allocated to an experimental Aquatic-Plyo group or a control group performing conventional exercises. Both arms completed 45-min sessions twice weekly for 12 weeks. Pre- and post-treatment assessments included pain intensity, isokinetic knee (quadriceps and hamstrings) torque at 120°/s and 180°/s, functional disability, and health-related quality of life.