STUDY DESIGN: Comparative control trial. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of posterolateral hip muscle strengthening versus quadriceps strengthening in reducing pain and improving health status in persons with patellofemoral pain (PFP). DESIGN: Comparative control trial. SETTING: Private rehabilitation facility. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-six persons with a diagnosis of PFP (18 males and 18 females). INTERVENTIONS: Male and female patients were alternately assigned to a posterolateral hip muscle strengthening group (9 males and 9 females) or a quadriceps strengthening group (9 males and 9 females). The posterolateral hip muscle strengthening group performed hip abductor and external rotator strengthening exercises while the quadriceps strengthening group performed quadriceps strengthening exercises (3 times a week for 8 weeks). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain (VAS) and health status (WOMAC) were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 6 month follow-up. RESULTS: Significant improvements in VAS and WOMAC scores were observed in both groups from baseline to post-intervention and from baseline to 6 month follow-up (p < 0.001). Improvements in VAS and WOMAC scores in the posterolateral hip exercise group were superior to those in the quadriceps exercise group post-intervention and at the 6 month follow up (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although both intervention programs resulted in decreased pain and improved function in persons with PFP, outcomes in the posterolateral hip exercise group were superior to the quadriceps exercise group. The superior outcomes obtained in the posterolateral hip exercise group were maintained 6 months post-intervention.

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