Exercise prescription and patellofemoral pain: Evidence for rehabilitation

Objective: To provide evidence regarding the therapeutic effects of exercise on subjects with patellofemoral-pain syndrome (PFPS). Data Sources: Evidence was compiled with data located using the Medline, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases from 1985 to 2004 using the key words patellofemoral pain syndrome, exercise, rehabilitation, and strength. Study Selection: The literature review examined intervention studies evaluating the effectiveness of exercise in subjects specifically diagnosed with PFPS. Articles were selected based on clinical relevance to PFPS rehabilitation that required an intervention of a minimum of 4 weeks. Data Synthesis: The review supports using exercise as the primary treatment for PFPS. Conclusions: Evidence exists regarding the use of isometric, isotonic, isokinetic, and closed kinetic chain exercise. Although clinicians have advocated the use of biofeedback and patella taping, there is limited evidence regarding the efficacy of these interventions on subjects diagnosed with PFPS.