Introduction: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common knee problems.

The gold standard for PFPS rehabilitation is quadriceps strengthening. It has been suggested that hip muscles weakness may be an important factor in the etiology of patients with PFPS. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of hip external rotator and abductor muscles on pain and function in Male with patellofemoral pain.

Materials & methods: 30 participants diagnosed by PFPS were participated and randomly divided into two groups, quadriceps strengthening (n=15) and hip and quadriceps strengthening (n=15). The NRPS and Kujala scale were respectively used to assess pain intensity and function at baseline and at the end of the 6-week exercise program. Collected data were analyzed by paired t-test and independent t-test.

Findings: After 6 weeks of exercise therapy, mean scores of pain and function for two groups were significant improvement (P>0/05). But significant difference between the average of pain scores and physical function of combination exercise and quadriceps strengthening exercises was observed (P>0/05).

Discussion & Conclusion: Although, both combination and quadriceps muscle strengthening exercises were effective to reduce pain and improve function in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome, combination exercises was more effective than quadriceps muscle strengthening exercises. Therefore, it is recommended to experts and researchers to use combination exercises in the rehabilitation programs to reduce pain and improve function in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.