Riassunto dello studio

Forty-five patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome were randomized to receive high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and exercise (n=15), ultrasound and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (US-TENS) and exercise (n=15), or ultrasound and interferential current (US-IFC) and exercise (n=15). The primary outcome of interest was the reduction in pain severity, measured by the visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included knee flexion range of motion (FROM), Q angle, Kujala patellofemoral score, lower extremity functional scale (LEFS), and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Outcomes were assessed at baseline, after 2 weeks of treatment, and at 12 weeks post-treatment. Overall, the results of the study revealed that HILT was statistically more effective than the other two groups in reducing pain, improving knee flexion, and enhancing lower extremity functionality. This suggests that HILT can be considered a superior treatment modality for improving pain and function in PFPS when combined with exercise.