Effectiveness of Elastic Resistance in Rehabilitation of Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

CONTEXT Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is associated with muscle imbalance at the knee and hip. Therapeutic exercise is effective at reducing pain associated with PFPS. OBJECTIVE To identify and analyze clinical trials of elastic resistance in patients with PFPS to determine its efficacy. DATA SOURCES PubMed, CINAHL, and PEDro databases were searched for terms relevant to PFPS rehabilitation in patients aged 12 to 40 years. STUDY SELECTION Only peer-reviewed clinical trials lasting at least 4 weeks and specifying the use of elastic resistance in their protocols were included. DATA EXTRACTION Eight eligible studies were analyzed for design, sample, intervention, outcomes, and clinical application. RESULTS The studies included in this review lacked high-quality design, often using exercise as a "quasi-control" condition. Most studies did not provide specific exercise prescription or progression. Although participants in each study reported significant improvements in pain, deficiencies in scientific design limit the conclusion. CONCLUSION Elastic resistance exercise may reduce pain and improve function and strength in patients with PFPS.