Comparative Effects Of Clamshell And Short Arc Quadriceps Exercises In Patellofemoral Pain

Overview

This is a research study to compare two different exercises for people who have patellofemoral pain syndrome. Patellofemoral pain syndrome means pain around or behind the kneecap, which is also called "runner's knee". People in this study will be divided into two groups by chance. One group will do clamshell exercises. This exercise strengthens hip muscles. The other group will do short arc quadriceps exercises. This exercise strengthens thigh muscles near the knee. Both groups will do their exercises for the same number of weeks. The main goal of this study is to see which exercise reduces knee pain better and helps patients do daily activities more easily. We will also check if quality of life improves after doing these exercises. Pain level, knee function, and quality of life will be checked before starting exercises and again after finishing the exercise program. The results may help doctors and physical therapists choose the best exercise for patients with kneecap pain.

This randomized parallel-group clinical trial will compare the effectiveness of clamshell exercises versus short arc quadriceps strengthening exercises in patients diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Study Design: Participants meeting inclusion criteria for patellofemoral pain syndrome will be randomly allocated into two intervention groups. Group 1 - Clamshell Exercise Group: Participants will perform clamshell exercises targeting hip abductors and external rotators, specifically gluteus medius and gluteus maximus muscles. Group 2 - Short Arc Quadriceps Group: Participants will perform short arc quadriceps strengthening exercises focusing on quadriceps femoris muscle, with emphasis on vastus medialis obliquus activation. Intervention Duration: Both groups will follow supervised exercise protocols for \[X weeks\]. Frequency and repetitions will be as per standard protocol. Outcome Measures: Primary: Pain intensity using Visual Analog Scale, Functional disability using Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale, Quality of Life using SF-36 questionnaire. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention to compare changes between the two exercise groups. Hypothesis: Clamshell exercises targeting hip muscles may show superior effects on pain and function compared to short arc quadriceps exercises in PFPS patients.