(October 22, 2009 - Insidermedicine)

A type of chronic knee pain known as patellofemoral pain syndrome can be better treated with a supervised exercise program than rest and avoidance of pain-inducing activities, according to research published online ahead of print in the British Medical Journal.

Here is some information about patellofemoral pain syndrome:

•    It refers to a condition in which pain is felt in the front of the knee, around the kneecap

•    Causes include overuse of the joint, injuries, excess weight, or a misaligned kneecap

•    Pain occurs most frequently while sitting with bent knees, squatting, jumping, or using stairs

Researchers from Erasmus University Medical Centre in Rotterdam randomly assigned over 100 individuals suffering from patellofemoral pain syndrome to undergo a supervised exercise program or usual care. Exercise consisted of a six-week standardized exercise program tailored to individual performance and supervised by a physical therapist as well as instructions to practice the exercises at home for three months. Usual care consisted of rest during periods of pain and refraining from activities that provoke pain.

After three months, pain during rest and during activity as well as level of functioning were more greatly improved in the exercise than the usual care group. After a year, improvements pain at rest and during activity remained superior in the exercise group. During both time periods, a greater proportion of individuals in the exercise group than the usual care group reported that they had completely recovered, although these differences did not reach statistical significance.

Today's research suggests that supervised, tailored exercise is a better treatment for patellofemoral pain syndrome than simply resting the knee joint and avoiding painful activities.