Duration of the project:

Lead partner:

University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences

Postdoc researcher

Assist. Denisa Manojlović (SICRIS, ResearchGate)

Abstract:

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is one of the most common knee conditions and is, among others, a common secondary complication after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Recent evidence suggests the presence of biomechanical and psychosocial limitations that influence the effectiveness of exercise therapies in patients with PFP. Our research group has already carried out experimental studies which emphasized the clinical and research potential of the integrated treatment of PFP. The purpose of this project is to upgrade the existing knowledge of PFP in relation to the ACL reconstruction. The project will establish comprehensive models for the development of PFP, which include biopsychosocial risk factors and basic biomechanical mechanisms, prevention strategies and modern treatment methods. In the second part of the project, an exercise intervention based on the existing evidence and aiming at preventing the development of PFP after ACL reconstruction, will be designed and implemented. The exercise program will be compared in an intervention study with conventional programs with and without additional biopsychosocial interventions. For this purpose, an eight-week training intervention will be carried out with regard to the knowledge acquired in the first part of the project. Thus, the project will combine qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the effectiveness of exercise programs for preventing PFP after ACL reconstruction. Our studies will contribute to a more comprehensive and in-depth insight into PFP and to the development and evaluation of exercise approaches for PFP after ACL reconstruction. We believe that our findings will have an impact on society in the coming years in terms of reducing the burden on the healthcare system caused by PFP.

The internal postdoctoral position is financed from the Rector’s UP Fund.