INTRODUCTION: The patellofemoral syndrome (DFP) is a disease characterized by pain in the patellofemoral and physical changes resulting from this joint biomechanics. The rate of incidence is high, representing a common complaint in about 20% of the population. Its etiology remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: This literature review aims to compare the effectiveness of open kinetic chain exercises with closed kinetic chain into the functional recovery of patients with the patellofemoral syndrome. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review in the database LILACS, Medline, PubMed and SciELO as search term words patellofemoral syndrome, open kinetic chain and closed kinetic chain. DISCUSSION: The imbalance of forces of the dynamic stabilizers of the patella, vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL), is still considered the primary factor for the onset of symptoms. Since this change causes an increase in reaction force and patellofemoral compression. In order to recover the balance of forces of the muscles acting as stabilizers of the knee and as a means of restoring stability to the joint, exercises in open kinetic chain (OKC) and closed kinetic chain (CKC) has been used in rehabilitation programs patellofemoral disorders. CONCLUSION: The benefits for implementing these protocols are not well documented, lacking scientific evidence to prove the real effectiveness of these exercises in improving the performance of the quadriceps muscle or assist in muscle balance of the dynamic stabilizers of the patella.

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