Table 1 Participant eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria

 • Aged 18 to 40 years

 • Greater than three months duration

 • Clinical diagnosis of unilateral or bilateral patellofemoral pain (if bilateral the worst knee was investigated)

 • Anterior or retropatellar pain reported on at least two of the following activities: prolonged sitting, ascending or descending stairs, squatting, jumping and running

Exclusion criteria

 • Previous knee surgery or awaiting lower limb surgery

 • Knee ligamentous instability

 • History of patellar dislocation

 • True knee locking or giving way

 • Reasons to suspect systemic pathology or acute illness

 • Patellar or iliotibial tract tendinopathy

 • Pregnancy or breast feeding

 • Not able to speak or understand English