Year: 2025 | Month: January-March | Volume: 10 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 94-105
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijhsr.20250111
Effectiveness of Hip Muscle Strengthening in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Literature Review
Abhilash PV1, Vishnu K Nair2, Prathik3, Kerina Varghese4
1Associate Professor, 2Assistant Professor, 3Post Graduate Student, 4BPT Intern
Laxmi Memorial College of Physiotherapy, Balmatta, Mangalore,575002
Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka
Corresponding Author: Prathik
ABSTRACT
Background: Patellofemoral syndrome (PFS), also known as runner's knee, is a frequent source of anterior knee pain, commonly resulting from overuse, muscle imbalances, and improper alignment. It mainly affects young adults, particularly women. Key symptoms include generalized knee pain that worsens with activities such as squatting or running. Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation, as imaging like radiographs are often not helpful. Treatment is conservative and focuses on managing pain, improving patellar movement, and strengthening muscles, particularly the hip abductors and rotators. Strengthening these muscles helps to minimize excessive hip movement, which in turn reduces stress on the patellofemoral joint. Patellar taping and targeted exercises are frequently used, while surgery is only considered after 24 months of unsuccessful non-surgical treatment.
Objectives: The objective is to find the effectiveness of hip muscle strengthening on pain and functional improvement for the patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Design: review of literature
Data synthesis: recent researches, meta-analysis, randomized control trials, observation studies
Methodology: various articles from following databases like Science Direct, PubMed and Cochrane were retrieved through a search by using keywords- Patellofemoral pain syndrome, Anterior knee pain, Hip muscle strengthening exercises. Total 14 articles were included in the study and based on their findings a review was made.
Conclusion: This review highlights that hip muscle strengthening is effective in reducing pain and improving function in PFPS patients, though its impact on muscle strength is less clear. The findings support incorporating this intervention in treatment plans and can help clinicians communicate goals to patients, improving adherence.
Keywords: Patellofemoral pain syndrome, Anterior knee pain, Hip muscle strengthening exercises.