Comparing electrical stimulation and physical therapy for knee pain
Official title: A Prospective Randomized Study Comparing the Outcome of Electrical Stimulation of Vastus Medialis Obliquus Muscle and Physical Therapy vs Only Physical Therapy But no Electrical Stimulation in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Run by Northwell Health · NCT03184545 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if using an electrical stimulation device along with physical therapy can help people with knee pain recover faster and feel better compared to just physical therapy alone.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 92 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Northwell Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 24, 2017 |
| Main results expected | June 2028 |
| Study ends | June 2029 |
| Registry record updated | October 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03184545 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 to 40 with bilateral or unilateral anterior knee pain lasting more than three months and specific pain-related criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of knee surgery, patellar dislocation, or other significant knee pathologies may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of an electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) device in conjunction with physical therapy for patients suffering from patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly known as anterior knee pain. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving EMS along with physical therapy, and the other receiving physical therapy alone. The goal is to determine if the addition of EMS accelerates recovery and improves outcomes compared to standard physical therapy. The EMS device used is FDA approved and has shown promise in treating knee-related conditions. This study aims to include a larger patient population to validate previous findings that were limited by small sample sizes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective treatment option for patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome, potentially leading to faster recovery times.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown mixed results with similar approaches, indicating the need for further investigation with larger sample sizes.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Bilateral/unilateral anterior knee pain for more than 3 moths * Age of patient 18 to 40 years * At least 3 of the 4 following criteria present: pain associated with prolonged sitting with knees bend, pain with going downstairs, kneeling and squatting or sports activities * No h/o injury * No h/o surgery to the knee Exclusion Criteria: * H/o patellar dislocation or subluxation * Associated bursitis, tendinitis in periarticular area * Ligamentous problems * Intra-articular pathology * Pregnancy (patient reported pregnancy, in case of doubt patient will be referred to their OBG/GYN physician to exclude the pregnancy) * H/o knee surgery * Oral or intraarticular administration of steroid medication with in last 3 months * Patients with implanted devices like pacemaker
Where it's running
-
New York Bone and Joint Specialists
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Leon Popovitz, MD — Northwell Health
- Study coordinator: Leon Popovitz, MD
- Email: orthodoc205@gmail.com
- Phone: 2127594553
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Taping methods with hip and knee strengthening for patellofemoral pain
This study tests whether McConnell taping or Kinesio taping, each with a guided hip and knee strengthening program, helps people aged 26-44 with patellofemoral pain.
-
Tele-rehabilitation for patellofemoral pain in recreational athletes
A randomized trial tests whether a remote, app-guided exercise program can help recreational athletes with patellofemoral pain as well as traditional in-person physiotherapy.
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Kinesio Taping vs McConnell Taping for Patellofemoral Pain: Adding Taping to a Hip-Knee Exercise Program
This study tests whether Kinesio or McConnell taping, when added to a standardized hip-knee exercise plan, helps people 18–50 with patellofemoral pain more than exercise alone.
-
Three Ways to Strengthen the VMO for Patellofemoral Pain
This study tests whether isometric, isotonic, or eccentric strengthening of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) in the 0–30° knee bend helps reduce knee pain and improve function in adults with patellofemoral pain.
-
Saphenous nerve release for patellofemoral (anterior knee) pain
This trial will try a manual saphenous nerve release to reduce pain and improve knee function and balance in adults 18–35 with patellofemoral pain who have a positive saphenous neurodynamic test.
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Popliteus muscle release versus Kinesio taping for patellofemoral pain
This will test whether popliteus muscle release or Kinesio taping better reduces pain and improves function in adults 18–30 with patellofemoral pain.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.