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

Inclusion criteria

Patients diagnosed with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Age between 18-40 years. Male and female participants Presence of anterior knee pain for at least 4 weeks Pain aggravated by activities such as stair climbing, squatting, running, or prolonged sitting Willingness to participate and provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

History of knee surgery or fracture around the knee joint Ligament injuries (e.g., ACL, PCL tears) or meniscal injuries Presence of other knee conditions (e.g., osteoarthritis, patellar dislocation). Neurological disorders affecting lower limb sensations and gait Current participation in any other physiotherapy or rehabilitation program Systemic inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis). Cognitive impairment or inability to follow instructions/attend sessions. Use of long-term steroids, strong analgesics, or anti-inflammatory medications.