• Khalil Khayambashi, Zeynab Mohammadkhani, Kourosh Ghaznavi, Mark A Lyle, and Christopher M Powers.
• College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
• J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2012 Jan 1;42(1):22-9.

Study DesignRandomized controlled trial.ObjectivesTo examine the effectiveness of isolated hip abductor and external rotator strengthening on pain, health status, and hip strength in females with patellofemoral pain (PFP).BackgroundAltered hip kinematics resulting from hip muscle weakness has been proposed as a contributing factor in the development of PFP. To date, no study has examined clinical outcomes associated with isolated hip muscle strengthening in those with PFP.MethodsTwenty-eight females with PFP were sequentially assigned to an exercise (n = 14) or a no-exercise control group (n = 14). The exercise group completed bilateral hip abductor and external rotator strengthening 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Pain (visual analog scale), health status (WOMAC), and hip strength (handheld dynamometer) were assessed at baseline and postintervention. Pain and health status were also evaluated at 6 months postintervention in the exercise group. Two-factor mixed-model analyses of variance were used to determine the effects of the intervention on each outcome variable.ResultsSignificant group-by-time interactions were observed for each variable of interest. Post hoc testing revealed that pain, health status, and bilateral hip strength improved in the exercise group following the 8-week intervention but did not change in the control group. Improvements in pain and health status were sustained at 6-month follow-up in the exercise group.ConclusionA program of isolated hip abductor and external rotator strengthening was effective in improving pain and health status in females with PFP compared to a no-exercise control group. The incorporation of hip-strengthening exercises should be considered when designing a rehabilitation program for females with PFP.Level Of EvidenceTherapy, level 2b.

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