Patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly known as PFPS, is a condition that causes significant pain in the front of the knees. Increasing your activity level can be difficult if you have PFPS. This is because this type of pain is triggered by activities that stress the kneecap and surrounding areas. We’ve outlined some ideal options to help you manage your patellofemoral pain syndrome exercises. These knee-friendly moves are easy to perform, but they also stimulate positive results in your body. By starting these patellofemoral pain syndrome exercises today, you can begin to feel better soon!
Before I get to the exercise, I got a few videos for you.
What is the Best Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Exercise?
What is Patellofemoral Femoral Pain Syndrome?
What Exercise is Ideal for Clients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome due to Muscle Imbalances
Activation, endurance, and strengthening are key to PFPS prevention and rehabilitation, but the best exercises for these muscles have not been conclusively determined. To help clarify contradictory findings in the exercise science literature on this topic, researchers in the United Kingdom conducted a study designed to test the effect of two closed kinetic chain exercises and one open kinetic chain exercise on VMO and VL muscle activity in healthy individuals.
Highlights of the Study
Other Amazing Stats about Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- Incident rates in the general population of 25%.
- One of the most common injuries in the lower body.
- The ratio of VMO: VL should be 1:1, but in people with PFPS, it is estimated to be 0.54:1.
- Muscle imbalance of VMO: VL leads to a decrease in medial pull leading to patellar maltracking.
Exercises They Tested
- Double-leg squat with isometric hip adduction (pillow between knees)
- Open kinetic chain knee extension exercise (sitting on the edge of a table and alternating bodyweight leg extensions)
- Lunge exercise (static)
Take-Home Message
- Summing It Up – EMG results showed that the double leg squat and the lunge exercise showed a significantly greater VMO: VL ratio than the open-chain knee extension exercise. The double leg squat produced the largest VMO: VL ratio (1.18:1).
- Leg Extension – In contrast, the open-chain knee extension exercise preferentially activated the VL muscle, giving a VMO: VL ratio of 0.72:1.
- Men and Women– No significant gender differences were seen on any measurements.
- The Lunge – The lunge exercise gave a VMO: VL ratio closest to the theoretical ideal of 1:1 (1.14:1). The study’s investigators recommend the lunge exercise as the ideal exercise for treating PFPS when correcting VMO/VL imbalances is necessary.
- Double Leg Squat with Hip Adduction – The double leg squat with isometric hip adduction is ideal for targeted VMO strengthening.
Last Word from Rick Kaselj – THE PART TO READ
- Want to Focus on VMO – Do the double leg squat with isometric hip adduction.
- Want to Focus on VL – Do the leg extension exercise.
- Key Point to Remember about Leg Extension – Performing open-chain knee extension exercises may not be a good idea for clients with PFPS because it may induce excessive lateral tracking of the patella due to the focus on VL.
- Want to Balance out VMO & VL – Do the lunge exercise.
If you are interested in a fitness education course where I go into more detail regarding Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, check out the study, Exercise Rehabilitation of the Knee.
If you want more information on how much imbalances can lead to Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, check out Muscle Imbalances Revealed.
Take care.
Rick Kaselj, MS
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