Efficacy of Treatment Based on the Movement System Impairment Classification in People with Knee Pain: A Study Protocol

Abstract

Background: Detection of abnormal movement patterns and disorders and their classification into specific sub-categories may result in effective therapeutic choices. Classification of movement system impairments has provided seven sub-categories for movement disorders in the knee joint with specific treatment recommendations for each. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of specific treatments proposed by this classification method and compare the effectiveness of this treatment method with routine ones. Materials and Methods: Participants who met the inclusion criterion were randomly assigned into control and experimental groups after the diagnosis of their movement impairment. Subcategories including patellar lateral glide syndrome and tibiofemoral rotation syndrome were recruited. Experimental groups were treated specifically based on their impairment; however, all control groups received the same routine physiotherapy, regardless of their movement impairment. Two knee function and disability instruments were used, including Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale. Eventually, each experimental group’s outcome scores on the visual analog scale and frontal plane projection angles were compared with those in the control group. Results: Conclusion: We will try to figure out whether the specific treatments based on the movement impairment classification have any benefit over the routine treatment. This would also give clues about the validity of this classification in knee pain. If this is the case, detecting the movement impairment and giving treatment on this basis could be used as a comprehensive guideline.