A scoping review found only three randomised trials of gait retraining (step rate, impact reduction, foot strike) in runners with patellofemoral (front-of-knee) pain; the retrained groups' pain fell 2-4 points on a visual analogue scale with better knee-function scores and some passing calf discomfort, but the abstract reports no comparison against the control groups, so the authors' "effective" outruns what it shows

Tedeschi and Giorgi mapped the evidence on gait retraining for patellofemoral pain syndrome in runners, looking at pain, function, biomechanics and adverse effects. Searching five databases under the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping framework, they found three randomised trials, which tested a change in step rate, a reduction in impact, and a change in foot strike.

In the retrained groups pain on a visual analogue scale improved by 2 to 4 points, Kujala and Knee Outcome Survey activities-of-daily-living scores rose, and biomechanical measures showed lower patellofemoral joint stress and impact forces. Some runners had calf discomfort while adapting, which settled.

The authors conclude that gait retraining is effective, with lasting pain relief, functional and biomechanical benefits, and that protocols should be individual and introduced gradually; they also note that long-term retention of the changes and the best training parameters are still unclear.