Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included.
Specific interventions included in the review
The only specific inclusion criteria was that the therapy be nonsurgical. The interventions that were found in the studies retrieved were: orthotic insoles (both flat and soft), knee braces (Genutrain and simple sleeve), non steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, intraarticular glycosaminoglycan polysulfate, intraarticular placebo injection of physiologic saline, and intramuscular glycosaminoglycan polysulfate.
Participants included in the review
The disease and participant inclusion criteria are not clearly stated, but the authors do state that patellofemoral pain syndrome has a variety of definitions and for the purposes of the review they have included a broad range of definitions from articles on patients with patellar cartilage damage. A general definition of patellofemoral pain syndrome is given in the text. No further inclusion criteria are given.38% of patients were female, with average ages (where reported) ranging from 14.8 to 32.3 years.
Outcomes assessed in the review
'Pain' (although scales used for measuring pain are stated for only one study) in almost all studies, side-effects in some studies, 'relief of symptoms', (in one study) patellar assessments and full squatting tests and (in one study) arthroscopic evaluation of the surfaces of the cartilage.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The authors do not state how the papers were selected for the review, or how many of the authors performed the selection.