"...Clinical guidelines for persons with PFP (Patellofemoral pain) advocate for hip and knee extensor strengthening. During the acute phase of the rehabilitation process, hip biased squats should be considered to reduce the demand on the quadriceps. This is important as quadriceps force contributes directly to patellofemoral joint reaction force and patellofemoral joint stress. During the sub-acute or recovery phase, squats can be progressed as tolerated to be more neutral biased or even quadriceps biased by modifying the trunk-tibia relationship..... During the acute phase, gluteus maximus activation should be emphasized as this muscle controls hip adduction and internal rotation, motions known to contribute to patellofemoral joint stress and PFP. Increased gluteus maximus activation can be achieved through the use of wider stance squats as well as external band resistance around the thighs. However, a squat stance that exceeds 150% shoulder width may result in elevated knee valgus moments. During the sub-acute or recovery phase, transitioning to more narrow/medium stance squats will promote greater tibial inclination and a quadriceps bias. Regardless of phase, a toe out position should be considered as this will result in a decrease in the knee valgus moment..... Another important consideration for the patient with patellofemoral pain is squat depth. Patellofemoral joint stress steadily increases from partial to medium depth squatting (0° to 90°). The increase in patellofemoral joint stress is the result of a steadily increasing patellofemoral joint reaction force that is more pronounced than the increase in contact area as the knee flexes. Generally speaking, shallow-medium depth squats should be prescribed for the patient with patellofemoral pain to minimize joint stress. Furthermore, there is evidence that shallow squats may be more desirable for gluteus maximus activation compared to deep squats...." "......The squat can be a safe and effective exercise if properly executed for both rehabilitation and sport performance purposes. However, selection of specific squatting parameters requires a thorough understanding of their impact on muscle activity and joint loading. It is important for clinicians to prescribe appropriate squatting parameters based on the individual needs of the patient to maximize the effectiveness of the exercise. Many research works are being done to establish the appropriateness and effectiveness of squat exercise for patients with various musculoskeletal conditions..." https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19Pam6poz8/