Comparing two exercise methods for knee pain in basketball players

Effects of Proximal Strengthening Exercises on Pain and Function in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Among Basketball Players

Not applicable Interventional Riphah International University · NCT06131710

This study tests whether isolated or combined strengthening exercises can help basketball players with knee pain feel better and improve their performance.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment32 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexMale
SponsorRiphah International University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lahore, Punjab)
Trial IDNCT06131710 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of isolated versus combined strengthening exercises in treating Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) among basketball players. A total of 32 participants aged 18-40 diagnosed with PFPS will be randomly assigned to either an Isolated Strengthening Exercises (ISE) group or a Combined Strengthening Exercises (CSE) group. The ISE group will focus solely on quadriceps strengthening, while the CSE group will incorporate both quadriceps and proximal strengthening exercises for the hip and core. Pain levels, functionality, and physical performance will be assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks to determine which approach yields better outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are professional male basketball players aged 18-40 who experience knee pain associated with PFPS.

Not a fit: Patients with significant knee pathologies, past surgeries on the affected leg, or systemic illnesses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective exercise regimen for reducing pain and improving functionality in basketball players with PFPS.

How similar studies have performed: While isolated strengthening exercises are commonly used, the combination of proximal strengthening exercises is a newer approach that has shown promise in preliminary research.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

* Professional male basketball players of the age group 18-40 years
* Practicing players of basketball (3-5 times a week)
* Players who experience pain around Patella
* Pain severity between 3 and 10 during stair descending test for PFPS
* Positive diagnostic patellofemoral syndrome maneuvers including Shrug test, Grind test and Perkins test

Exclusion criteria:

* Past surgery of affected leg
* Systemic illness (diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus)
* Individuals havening significant knee pathologies such as ACL tear, Meniscal tear
* Referred pain originating from other points of body
* Knee deformities or signs of knee OA in knee x-ray

Where this trial is running

Lahore, Punjab

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Patellofemoral SyndromeClamshellIsolated exercisePainPatellofemoral syndromeSquat
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.