The effect of combined exercise therapy on knee proprioception, pain intensity and quality of life in patients with hypermobility syndrome: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: Proprioception, the perception of limb movements and spatial orientation derived from body stimuli, plays a critical role in maintaining joint stability. This study aimed to investigate the effect of combined exercise therapy (closed kinetic chain exercises and proprioception exercises) on knee proprioception, pain intensity and quality of life in patients with hypermobility syndrome.

Design: Single-blind randomized clinical trial.

Setting: Shiraz School of Rehabilitation Sciences.

Participants: Twenty four patients with hypermobility syndrome.

Interventions: The patients were assigned to the control (no intervention) or intervention group (exercise therapy) by random allocation.

Measurements: Knee proprioception, pain intensity and quality of life were evaluated before and immediately after the intervention. Exercise sessions were held 3 days a week for 4 weeks.

Results: The results showed that knee proprioception improved significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group. Quality of life increased, and knee pain intensity decreased significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group.

Conclusion: Combined exercise therapy can reduce pain intensity and increase knee proprioception and quality of life in patients with hypermobility syndrome.

Keywords: Hypermobility syndrome; Pain; Proprioception; Quality of life.