Effect of Resistance Training for the Treatment of Patellofemoral Pain: A Systematic Review: Uma Revisão Sistemática

Wesley Nascimento da Silva; Nicole de Aragão Andrade; Victor Sabino Queirós; Jozilma de Medeiros Gonzaga; Edson Fonseca Pinto; Wasington Almeida Reis; Jason R. Jeggers; Diego Vinicius Duarte Cavalcante; Maira Pôrto Viana; Nailton José Brandão de Albuquerque Filho

doi:10.6063/motricidade.45194

Effect of Resistance Training for the Treatment of Patellofemoral Pain: A Systematic Review

Uma Revisão Sistemática

Authors

Wesley Nascimento da Silva State University of Paraíba – UEPB
Nicole de Aragão Andrade State University of Paraíba – UEPB
Victor Sabino Queirós State University of Paraíba – UEPB
Jozilma de Medeiros Gonzaga State University of Paraíba – UEPB
Edson Fonseca Pinto State University of Rio Grande do Norte – UERN
Wasington Almeida Reis State University of Paraíba – UEPB
Jason R. Jeggers State University of Paraíba – UEPB https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2567-615X
Diego Vinicius Duarte Cavalcante State University of Paraíba – UEPB
Maira Pôrto Viana Mauricio de Nassau University Center – UNINASSAU
Nailton José Brandão de Albuquerque Filho Federal Rural University of Pernambuco – UFRPE https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4041-5406

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6063/motricidade.45194

Keywords:

Rehabilitation, exercise therapy, knee disorders, Randomised controlled trial, physical function

Abstract

This systematic review aimed to synthesise the work conducted in this area to guide professional practice in decision-making. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, SPORTDiscus, BVS, and SciELO databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to September 18, 2024. Randomised clinical trials investigating the effects of resistance training programs on pain and muscle function outcomes in individuals PFPS were included. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro Scale, and the risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (version 2). Study screening and data extraction were performed independently and in duplicate, encompassing intervention characteristics and the assessment of the outcomes of interest. Thirty RCTs involving 1,733 participants (74.3% female; mean age 28.8 ± 5.5 years) were included. Resistance training, whether isolated or combined, consistently improved pain and function. Combined hip and quadriceps strengthening showed superior effects compared to isolated protocols. Core-focused programs and adjunctive strategies (e.g., assistive technologies, biofeedback) also produced benefits, though not consistently superior to conventional training. Whole-body vibration and neuromuscular electrical stimulation yielded mixed results, with limited evidence of clinical superiority. Resistance training is an effective therapeutic strategy for PFPS, with combined hip and quadriceps strengthening offering better benefits. Complementary approaches may enhance outcomes, but evidence is insufficient to confirm superiority over standard resistance exercise. Future high-quality RCTs with standardised protocols are recommended to strengthen the evidence base.

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Published

2026-07-01

How to Cite

Silva, W. N. da, Andrade, N. de A., Queirós, V. S., Gonzaga, J. de M., Pinto, E. F., Reis, W. A., … Albuquerque Filho, N. J. B. de. (2026). Effect of Resistance Training for the Treatment of Patellofemoral Pain: A Systematic Review: Uma Revisão Sistemática. Motricidade, 22, e45194. https://doi.org/10.6063/motricidade.45194

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Issue

Vol. 22 (2026): Motricidade

Section

Review Article

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