The purpose of this study was to investigate the additional effects of high voltage pulsed galvanic stimulation (HVPGS) on conventional exercise programs for reduction of pain in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). The subjects were treated either with HVPGS and exercise (n = 22), or only with exercise (control group, n = 22). The supervised program continued for six weeks, and 30 treatment sessions were applied. The exercise program included isometric and eccentric quadriceps exercises. The vastus medialis obliquus muscle was selectively stimulated with HVPGS, five times a week for six weeks. The patients were evaluated at the first visit and every three weeks during the rehabilitation program. At the 3rd week, pain reduction in the HVPGS group was significantly greater than in controls, but no significant difference was found between the groups (p > 0.05) at the 6th week. All patients had significant increase in the quadriceps muscle strength at the end of the treatment period but there was no difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Results of this study indicate that HVPGS does not provide additional benefit. However, decrease in pain intensity over a short period allows a more rapid exercise progression.

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