Comparative Effects of Hybrid Telerehabilitation, Telerehabilitation and Conventional Physical Therapy in Treating Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common, overuse-related musculoskeletal condition causing widespread anterior knee pain that is exacerbated by joint-loading activities like running, squatting, and climbing stairs. Affecting over 22% of the general population, PFPS is a complex disorder with high recurrence rates that frequently frustrate both patients and clinicians. Its etiology is multifactorial, stemming from structural and neuromuscular impairments, particularly quadriceps weakness and reduced gluteal activation, which lead to dynamic knee valgus and excessive joint stress. While conventional in-person physical therapy focusing on targeted strengthening remains the standard treatment, digital healthcare alternatives are rapidly expanding. Telerehabilitation delivers physical therapy remotely using telecommunication technologies through real-time synchronous or recorded asynchronous methods. To combine the benefits of both approaches, hybrid telerehabilitation integrates remote digital tracking with periodic face-to-face clinical sessions. Ultimately, these remote and hybrid models aim to improve patient adherence and reduce financial or logistical barriers like travel time, while maintaining the diagnostic accuracy and personalized feedback of traditional, hands-on care.