Patellofemoral pain rehabilitation: Outcomes of a home based program

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a home based rehabilitation program in patients with patellofemoral knee pain. Patients and Methods: With this aim, 62 patients (73 knees) from the general population (non athletes) were included in this study. The 9 weeks home program consists of open and closed kinetic chain quadriceps strengthening and flexibility exercises, patellar mobilization, ice, postural education and activity modification. Pain intensity and muscle strength were asessed at 3^rd, 6^th and 9^th weeks. Results: At the end of 9 weeks rehabilitation program, a significant reduction was detected in the pain intensity when compared with the pretreatment pain levels (p < 0.05). Also, quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength was significantly increased at the end of the treatment (p < 0.05). There was no significant statistical correlation between duration of the patellofemoral symptoms and pain relief (r = -0.101) (p > 0.05). Conclusion: It is concluded that the home program was effective in improving muscle strength and reducing pain in patients with patellofemoral knee pain.