Background and Aim: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common disorder of the knee.­ the conservative treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome is to correct shortness of soft tissue. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of PNF stretching exercise on PFPS.

Materials and Methods: Twenty female volunteers with PFPS were randomly assigned to PNF and control groups. The experimental group accomplished their own specific treatment protocols for 8 weeks, whereas the control group did not follow the treatment plan. Pain and functional disability were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) and Kujala questionnaire respectively, before and after exercise. Using SPSS 20 software, data were analyzed by t-test. P<0.05 was considered significant.

Results: The experimental group showed a significant reduction in the pain (P< 0.05) and also significant improvement in the functional disability (P< 0.05) compared to the control group.

Conclusion: We concluded that PNF stretching may have positive effects on PFPS.

Keywords: Functional disability, Patellofemoral pain syndrome, PNF stretching.

Received: Jun 20, 2016      Accepted: Dec 21, 2016