The influence of an 8-week therapeutic exercise program on the patient experience of patellofemoral pain: a qualitative descriptive study.

The aim of this study was to explore patients' experience of patellofemoral pain (PFP), in order to help improve the mutual understanding between the patient and the physiotherapist and consequently enhance the efficacy of treatment. A qualitative study design with focus groups was used to explore patient experience prior to the implementation of the therapeutic exercise program, during its duration, and up to twelve months after its conclusion. Patients provided a detailed description of their lifestyle prior to the enrollment in the therapeutic exercise program, their experience of the therapeutic exercise program and the behavioral changes that remained after its conclusion. Three main themes emerged from our data: 1) PFP characteristics and the impact of PFP on daily life; 2) experience with the therapeutic exercise program; and 3) changes in PFP and daily behaviors following the therapeutic exercise program. Our findings suggest that a targeted therapeutic exercise program effectively reduces short- and long-term PFP and enhance overall well-being. Further research is needed to investigate the effects of different therapeutic exercise programs with a focus on the role of self-motivation.