Table 2 Physiotherapy treatment components

Functional retraining exercises^† performed four times/week – participants perform a contraction of medial quadriceps in two of the following functional activities

- sitting (isometric)

- sit-stand

- step up

- single leg squat

Quadriceps muscle strengthening ^† performed four times/week – participants complete one exercise in each of the following

- inner range (open kinetic chain)

- mid range (open kinetic chain)

- weight-bearing (wall squat)

Hip abduction strengthening ^† performed four times/week

- sidelying hip abduction

Patellar taping

- combination of tilt, medial glide and fat pad unloading – tape will be applied by the physiotherapist at each visit, worn continuously for one week and then removed

-

Patellofemoral and soft-tissue mobilisation

- mobilisation of the patella (medial glides) performed by the physiotherapists

- massage to the painful and tight soft tissue structures, performed by the physiotherapist