Core Stability Exercises Versus Proprioceptive Training on Pain and Function in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Inclusion Criteria: * A confirmed diagnosis of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) based on clinical and radiographic examination, with no evidence of other knee pathologies, as verified by an orthopaedic physician * Presence of unilateral PFPS for a minimum duration of three months, indicating a chronic condition * Age between 18 and 40 years, representing the typical symptomatic population affected by PFPS * Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 30 kg/m², ensuring exclusion of obesity as a confounding factor. * Report of increased anterior knee pain during at least two of the following patellofemoral stress-provoking activities: stair ascent or descent, squatting, kneeling, running, or prolonged sitting * A positive patellar grind test (Clarke's sign) confirming involvement of the patellofemoral joint Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of chronic pain conditions unrelated to Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) as Rheumatoid arthritis, Chronic neuropathic pain, chronic low back pain and knee and hip osteoarthritis. * Pregnancy or history of recent trauma affecting the pelvic or knee region * History of corticosteroid injection in the affected knee * Presence of ankle arthritis or gouty arthritis, which may alter lower-limb biomechanics * History of previous surgical intervention involving the lumbar spine, hip, knee, or foot * Presence of lower-limb structural deformities, including pes planus, knee valgus, or knee varus deformities