Hip-Based Interventions Versus Other Treatments in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Narrative Review

Background and Aims Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common knee condition, especially among physically active young women aged 15-30 years. It typically causes pain in the front of the knee during movements, such as running, squatting, climbing stairs, or sitting for extended periods with bent knees. This study aimed to compare hip-focused exercises with other treatment approaches for reducing pain and improving function in individuals with PFPS. Methods This narrative review was conducted by searching several research databases, including AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE, PEDro, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SPORTDiscus, until 2025. We used keywords, such as PFPS, hip, trunk, gluteus, proximal, exercise, rehabilitation, strength, endurance, and motor control. Only full-text articles written in English were included. We selected randomized and non-randomized trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, and case reports that examined the impact of hip-based interventions on pain, physical function, or body mechanics compared to other approaches in individuals with PFPS. Results Most studies focused on women aged 18-35 years. Out of 1 124 studies found in the initial search, 1 089 were excluded based on their titles and abstracts. After reviewing 36 full-text articles, six were removed due to unclear data. Finally, 25 studies met the criteria and were included in this review. Conclusion Exercises targeting the hip muscles may be more effective than focusing only on the knee and other interventions in treating PFPS. Strengthening the hip can help alleviate pain and enhance physical performance, making it a valuable part of managing this condition. However, further research is needed to determine whether hip-focused exercises are superior to other treatment approaches, as some studies did not report a significant advantage of hip exercises over other interventions.