Brief summary, from the abstract
A six-week, evidence-based exercise programme for patellofemoral pain improved self-reported function and reduced fear of movement and muscle inhibition, but did not significantly change pain scores, quadriceps strength, or running biomechanics.
- Function improved significantly (KUJALA p = 0.001; KOOS p = 0.0001), and fear of movement (Tampa p = 0.017) and arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI p = 0.018) both improved.
- Pain did not improve significantly on the NPRS (p = 0.074), though all patients were reported pain-free by the end of the programme.
- Quadriceps strength (isometric p = 0.992; concentric p = 0.075; eccentric p = 0.351) and running biomechanics during stance were unchanged.
- Evidence is limited: a small single-group study of 27 participants over six weeks, with no control group, so improvements cannot be attributed to the exercise alone.
Clinically assessing this area? See the knee special tests.