Core exercises for treating knee pain

Effect of Adding Core Exercises to Hip and Knee-focused Exercises on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

This study is testing if adding core strengthening exercises to regular physical therapy can help young adults with knee pain feel better and improve their strength and balance.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 44 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 35 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Cairo University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Giza)
• Trial ID: NCT06758050 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study aims to investigate the impact of core strengthening exercises on pain, strength, function, and balance in patients suffering from patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). A total of 44 participants aged 18 to 35 will be divided into two groups: one receiving conventional physical therapy along with core exercises, and the other receiving only conventional therapy. The study will assess outcomes using various tools, including a Visual Analogue Scale and balance assessments, over a period of six weeks. The goal is to determine whether core strengthening can improve symptoms and functionality in individuals with PFPS.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 to 35 with chronic knee pain lasting over 12 weeks and specific aggravating activities.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of traumatic knee injuries or other significant knee pathologies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and improve function for patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar core strengthening approaches for knee pain, suggesting potential for success in this trial.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients of both genders with an age range of 18- 35 years old.
2. Gradual development of pain in the front of the knee lasting more than 12 weeks.
3. Patients with body mass index 18- 25 kg m2.
4. Pain is aggravated by at least 2 of the following activities: jumping, running, prolonged sitting, stair climbing, kneeling, and squatting.

   1. Positive patellar grinding test.
   2. Insidious onset of symptoms, unrelated to a traumatic damage.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Traumatic patellar subluxation or dislocation.
2. A history of any of the following conditions: meniscal or other intra articular pathologic conditions; cruciate or collateral ligament involvement.
3. Any lower limb bony or congenital deformities.
4. Previous knee and hip joint surgeries.
5. Osteoarthritis in the ankle, knee, or hip joints.
6. Conditions that affect muscle strength such as diabetes mellitus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Where this trial is running

Giza

• Cairo University — Giza, Egypt (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: rana ibrahim ahmed, Bachelor Physical Therapy-MUST — Misr University for Science and Technology
• Study coordinator: Rana Ibrahim Ahmed, Bachelor Physical Therapy-MUST

Conditions Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome; core strengthening exercises, hip and knee-focused exercises, patellofemoral pain syndrome