Table 1 General characteristics of the studies included
Study | Number of participants/ Gender | Age | Sample characteristics | Evaluation time | Pain Assessment | Therapy program | Frequency of treatment | Experimental Group | Control Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kumar et al. [19] | 40 participants 0 males 40 females | Between 17–25 years, NR mean and standard deviation | Unilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome | 4 weeks | VAS (10 cm) | FR + swiss ball vs. SLR | 4 weeks Total of 56 sessions | 10 reps daily of swiss ball exercises and 1 min of FR (FR applied twice a day) | SLR exercises for 10 reps daily |
Ozsoy et al. [20] | 42 participants 30 males 12 females | 68.09 ± 2.77 years | Non-specific low back pain | 6 weeks | VAS (10 cm), | Core stabilization exercises + hot pack + TENS vs. Core stabilization exercises + FR + hot pack + TENS | 6 weeks Total of 18 sessions | Core exercises 1 to 3 sets, 8 to 15 reps and contractions from 5 to 10 s with 30s rests FR for 30s on each muscle area, 3 sets with 1 min rest Hot pack for 15 min TENS a 50-Hz with pulse < 150 µs 3 days per week | Core exercises 1 to 3 sets, 8 to 15 reps and contractions from 5 to 10 s with 30s rests hot pack for 15 min TENS a 50-Hz with pulse < 150 µs 3 days per week |
Cabrera-Martos et al. [23] | 40 participants 40 males 0 females | 30.67 ± 5.23 years | Chronic neck pain | 4 weeks | VAS (10 cm) | FR + roller balls + active upper limb neurodynamic exercises vs. booklet with information on neck pain | 4 weeks Total of 12 sessions | 50-to-60 min session with 15 min on each muscle area, 3 days per week | A booklet with information on neck pain |
Ranbhor et al. [20] | 50 participants 36 males 14 females | 35.68 ± 12.25 years | Plantar fasciitis | 1 day | VAS (10 cm) | FR vs. self-stretching | Total of 1 session | 45 s per muscle area/5 reps with 15 s rest/1 day | 45 s per muscle area/5 reps each rep more aggressive/1 day |
Hameed et al. [22] | 32 participants 11 males 21 females | 25.75 ± 8.1 years | Plantar fasciitis | 2 weeks | VAS (NR) | FR + ultrasound therapy vs. tennis ball + ultrasound therapy | 2 weeks Total of 10 sessions | FR for 2 min Ultrassound 1.0 W/cm2, on continuous mode and 3 MHz for 7 min 5 days per week | Tennis ball for 2 min Ultrassound 1.0 W/cm2, on continuous mode and 3 MHz for 7 min 5 days per week |
Yokochi et al. [24] | 30 participants 4 males 26 females | 74.3 ± 6.95 years | Total knee arthroplasty resulting from osteoarthritis | 3 weeks | VAS (0-100 mm) | FR + regular physical therapy vs. regular physical therapy | 3 weeks Total of 36 sessions | FR started 1 week after surgery with 60 s/3 reps on each muscle area/ twice a day/6 days per week Wheelchair practice, ROM exercises, strength training, walking exercise. 40 min each session/twice a day/6 days per week | Started 1 day after surgery/ Wheelchair practice, ROM exercises, strength training, walking exercise. 40 min each session/twice a day/6days per week |