Of the functional tests , squatting demonstrated the highest sensitivity .
Other useful tests include pain during stair climbing and prolonged sitting .
Conclusion A diagnostic checklist is useful as it provides a structured method for diagnosing AKP in a clinical setting .
Background  Anterior knee pain ( AKP ) or patellofemoral pain syndrome is common and may limit an individual 's ability to perform common activities of daily living such as stair climbing and prolonged sitting .
The diagnosis is difficult as there are multiple definitions for this disorder and there are no accepted criteria for diagnosis .
It is therefore most commonly a diagnosis that is made once other pathologies have been excluded .
Objectives The aim of this study was to create an evidence -based checklist for research ers and clinicians to use for the diagnosis of AKP .
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials on exercise parameters in the treatment of patellofemoral pain: what works?
Purpose There is research evidence which supports the effectiveness of exercise in reducing pain and increasing function in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome . However , what is unclear are the parameters underpinning this intervention . This has led to uncertainty when operationalizing exercises for patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome in clinical practice . The aim of this review was to evaluate the parameters of exercise programs reported in primary research , to provide clinicians with evidence -based recommendations for exercise prescription for patellofemoral pain . Methods A systematic review of r and omized controlled trials was undertaken . Only trials that identified exercise to be effective in treating patellofemoral pain were included . Appropriate data bases and reference lists were search ed using established keywords . Data relating to common exercise parameters such as the type of exercise , length , and frequency of intervention , intensity , repetitions , sets , and specific technique were extracted , along with details of co- interventions that may have been used . Results A total of ten r and omized controlled trials were included in this review and from these trials 14 interventions arms were evaluated . All 14 interventions focused on active exercises , all but two of which also included a passive stretching component . The current body of evidence demonstrates positive results with exercise interventions such as  knee extension , squats , stationary cycling , static quadriceps , active straight leg raise , leg press , and step-up and down exercises  for patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome . A progressive regime of daily exercises of two to four sets of ten or more repetitions over an intervention period of 6 weeks or more , combined with exercises to address flexibility of the lower limb musculature was commonly used . Conclusion Currently , the primary research on this topic supports the use of closed kinetic chain , strengthening exercises for musculature of the lower limb , combined with flexibility options . The current evidence base supports a prescription of daily exercises of two – four sets of ten or more repetitions over a period of 6 weeks or more
Of the functional tests , squatting demonstrated the highest sensitivity .
Other useful tests include pain during stair climbing and prolonged sitting .
Conclusion A diagnostic checklist is useful as it provides a structured method for diagnosing AKP in a clinical setting .
Background  Anterior knee pain ( AKP ) or patellofemoral pain syndrome is common and may limit an individual 's ability to perform common activities of daily living such as stair climbing and prolonged sitting .
The diagnosis is difficult as there are multiple definitions for this disorder and there are no accepted criteria for diagnosis .
It is therefore most commonly a diagnosis that is made once other pathologies have been excluded .
Objectives The aim of this study was to create an evidence -based checklist for research ers and clinicians to use for the diagnosis of AKP .