Introduction: Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a diffuse chronic musculoskeletal pain in the anterior aspect of the knee joint that is often aggravated by running, jumping, squatting, climbing stairs and prolonged sitting. Treatment aims to reduce pain and improve function. Purpose: The aim of this literature review is to analyse the effectiveness of whole body vibration on pain and lower limb muscle performance in people with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Methods: Descriptive research methodology was used. Literature searches were performed in the PubMed and PEDro databases and in the Google Scholar internet browser. Results: Six randomised controlled trials with a total of 225 participants were analysed. Whole-body vibration, alone or in combination with exercise, was compared with other exercise or therapeutic modalities. In five studies, a statistically significant (p = 0,05) reduction in pain was found in all groups. In four studies, there was a statistically significant (p = 0,05) reduction in pain in the experimental group compared with the control groups. In the four studies, a statistically significant (p = 0,05) improvement in subjects' lower limb function after exercise was found in all groups. In one study, lower limb function improved statistically significantly (p = 0,001) in the experimental group compared to controls, and in one study, there was a statistically significant (p = 0,0001) improvement in the comparison group. Discussion and conclusion: Whole-body vibration, alone or in combination with exercise, reduces pain, improves muscle performance and lower limb function in people with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Other exercise or therapeutic modalities are also effective.
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