Eccentric versus Concentric Contraction of Quadriceps Muscles in Treatment of Chondromalacia Patellae

Chondromalacia patellae is a disorder often accompanied by patellofemoral instability. This can be simply a reflex inhibition of the quadriceps muscle secondary to pain. The eccentric and concentric contraction exercises are beneficial in strengthening of the quadriceps muscles and treatment of chondromalacia patellae. This study was conducted to compare between eccentric contraction and concentric contraction exercises in management of chondromalacia patellae patients. The study included forty patients divided randomly into two groups. The first group followed a physical therapy program of eccentric contraction exercises, stretching of hamstrings muscles and ultrasonic therapy, three sessions per week for three months (mean age = 17.25 ± 1.46 years). The second group submitted to a physical therapy program of concentric contraction exercises, stretching of hamstrings muscles and ultrasonic therapy, three sessions per week for three months (mean age, 18.75 ± 1.64 years). The measures were WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster University), universal goniometer to detect range of motion of knee extension from 90°-0° and VAS (visual analogue scale) to measure the pain severity. There was a significant improvement in pain, range of motion and WOMAC scores with eccentric contraction exercises. Eccentric contraction exercises were more effective than concentric contraction exercises in treatment of chondromalacia patellae patients.