OBJECTIVE: To investigate the difference between a home exercise program versus an isokinetic concentric quadriceps-hamstring exercise program in terms of functional capacity for the treatment of patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This randomized study included 32 patients (39 painful knees) with patellofemoral pain. The patients were allocated in two groups as home exercise (HEG, n = 14) and isokinetic exercise program groups (IEP, n = 18). They were given an exercise program of 3 weeks. The functional status was examined with the Kujala scale, and knee muscle power was examined with the concentric isokinetic muscle test at 60 versus 180 degree/s torque velocities. RESULTS: A progression in Kujala score was observed within both groups, HEG and IEP, before and after the treatment. There was no difference with respect to improvement level between groups. In the assessment within the group before and after the treatment, including isokinetic muscle parameters, 60 degree/s angular velocity extension peak torque, flexion peak torque, agonist/antagonist ratio, 180 degree/s angular velocity flexion peak torque and agonist/antagonist ratio, flexion total work of IEG, 180 degree/s angular velocity extension total work, and flexion total work parameters of IEP were observed to be statistically significant. In the assessment between the groups, 60 degree/s angular velocity agonist/antagonist ratio and 180 degree/s angular velocity flexion total work were found to be significantly in favor of the IEP group. CONCLUSION: The isokinetic exercise program, despite being better in parameters of strengthening and endurance, was found to be similar with the home exercise program in clinical outcome in patients with patellofemoral pain.

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