Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 35

Comparing two techniques for treating knee pain

Official title: Compare the Effects of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Muscle Energy Technique on Iliotibial Band Tightness in Patients With Patellofemoral Syndrome.

Run by Riphah International University · NCT06598618 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether two different treatment methods for knee pain can help people with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome feel better and move more easily.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
Enrollment48 (estimated)
SponsorRiphah International University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rawalpindi, Punjab Province)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 2, 2024
Main results expectedSeptember 25, 2025
Study endsSeptember 28, 2025
Registry record updatedFebruary 21, 2025
Trial IDNCT06598618 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 to 35 experiencing anterior or retro patellar knee pain for at least three months.

Probably not a fit

Patients with meniscal or ligament tears, knee osteoarthritis, or those who have had previous lower limb surgeries 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 clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Muscle Energy Technique (MET) in alleviating pain, improving range of motion, and enhancing functional mobility in patients suffering from Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS). Participants will undergo either the Graston technique combined with conventional physical therapy or the Muscle Energy Technique along with conventional physical therapy. The study will assess the impact of these interventions on iliotibial band tightness and associated knee pain during common activities such as stair climbing and squatting.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective non-surgical treatment options for patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.

How similar studies have gone: While there is existing literature on the effectiveness of IASTM and MET, this specific comparison in the context of PFPS is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* • Age between 18 and 35 years

  * Both Genders.
  * Anterior or retro patellar knee pain for at least the past 3 months.
  * Knee pain during at least 3 of the following activities: ascending/descending stairs, squatting, hopping/ running, and prolonged sitting.
  * Retro patellar pain in patellar grind test (positive clarke's sign).
  * A score of at least 3 on the visual analog scale (VAS).
  * Positive Ober's test.

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Any meniscal or ligament tears of knee.

  * Knee osteoarthritis.
  * Any previous surgery of lower limb.
  * Patellar fracture or fracture of lower extremity.
  * Having received knee injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid.
  * Osteoporosis of knee joint.

Where it's running

  • Pakistan Railway hospital
    Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, Pakistan
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.