Recovery from Knee Strain in a Young Athlete: A Case Study on Gluteal Activation and Core Stabilization.

Authors

  • Nur Ainah Mohd Shipah Physiotherapy Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pulau Pinang, Kampus Bertam, 13200 Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70672/vfjfzj61

Keywords:

Core stabilization, gluteal muscle activation, knee strain.

Abstract

Knee strain is a common cause of knee injury, particularly among rugby players, due to the high physical demands and frequent contact involved in the sport. Such injuries typically affect the soft tissues, including muscles and tendons around the knee joint. Delayed intervention can negatively impact mobility and interfere with daily activities, potentially leading to compensatory movement patterns and secondary complications. This case study focused on a 20-year-old rugby player with a history of left knee strain who received treatment approximately three months after the initial injury. He experienced difficulty with stair climbing and achieving cross-leg position during prayer. The objective of this case study was to demonstrate how targeted rehabilitation; specifically gluteal muscle activation and core stabilization exercises, can improve function and postural control. Notably, the patient showed measurable improvement as early as the first day of intervention, highlighting the effectiveness of timely physiotherapy assessment and appropriate exercise prescription.

References

[1]. Yasen SK. Common knee injuries, diagnosis and management. Surgery (Oxford). 2023 Apr;41(4):215–22.

[2]. Gray AM, Buford WL. Incidence of Patients With Knee Strain and Sprain Occurring at Sports or Recreation Venues and Presenting to United States Emergency Departments. J Athl Train. 2015 Nov 1;50(11):1190–8.

[3]. Campbell P, Pope R, Simas V, Canetti E, Schram B, Orr R. The Effects of Early Physiotherapy Treatment on Musculoskeletal Injury Outcomes in Military Personnel: A Narrative Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Oct 17;19(20):13416.

[4]. Rinaldi VG, Prill R, Jahnke S, Zaffagnini S, Becker R. The influence of gluteal muscle strength deficits on dynamic knee valgus: a scoping review. J Exp Orthop. 2022 Jan 17;9(1).

[5]. Ahn SE, Lee MY, Lee BH. Effects of Gluteal Muscle Strengthening Exercise-Based Core Stabilization Training on Pain and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain. Medicina (B Aires). 2024 May 23;60(6):849.

[6]. Nascimento MB, Vilarinho LG, Lobato DFM, Dionisio VC. Role of gluteus maximus and medius activation in the lower limb biomechanical control during functional single-leg Tasks: A systematic review. Knee. 2023 Aug;43:163–75.

[7] Buckthorpe M, Stride M, Villa F Della. ASSESSING AND TREATING GLUTEUS MAXIMUS WEAKNESS - A CLINICAL COMMENTARY. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2019 Jul;14(4):655–69.

[8] Chandran A, Madhuripu, Premkumar M, Menezes CR. Association between genu recurvatum and gluteus maximus muscle strength in college students - Case control study. Journal of Orthopaedic Reports. 2024 Mar;3(1):100229.

[9] Jung KS, Jung JH, In TS, Cho HY. Effects of Prolonged Sitting with Slumped Posture on Trunk Muscular Fatigue in Adolescents with and without Chronic Lower Back Pain. Medicina (Kaunas). 2020 Dec 23;57(1).

[10] Thomas DT, Eapen C, Hegde AS, Prabhudev Mane P, Mehta SP. Impact of core muscle strengthening on knee pain, patient outcomes, physical function, and cartilage thickness in knee osteoarthritis: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial. MethodsX. 2024 Dec;13:103008.

Downloads

Published

31-10-2025

Issue

Section

Case Report

How to Cite

Mohd Shipah, N. A. (2025). Recovery from Knee Strain in a Young Athlete: A Case Study on Gluteal Activation and Core Stabilization. Asian Journal of Medicine & Health Sciences, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.70672/vfjfzj61