Effect of Stretching the Tensor Fascia Lata on Knee Muscle Activity

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the impact of stretching the tensor fascia lata (TFL) on the activity of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) muscle in individuals suffering from patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Participants will undergo surface electromyography (EMG) assessments to measure muscle activity before and after performing a TFL stretch, followed by a series of squats. The study aims to determine if the TFL stretch can enhance the VMO to vastus lateralis (VL) muscle activation ratio, which is believed to be beneficial for alleviating knee pain. The findings could provide insights into effective rehabilitation strategies for PFPS.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Both genders.
2. Body mass index (BMI) ranges from 18.5 to 29.9.
3. Age ranges between 18 and 30 years old.
4. Experience nontraumatic anterior knee pain.
5. Pain with any two activities, including running, jumping, squatting, kneeling, stair ascent/descent or prolonged sitting.
6. Having at least one positive PFPS clinical tests including, patellofemoral compression, patellofemoral gliding or resistive quadriceps setting

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Coexisting pathology around the knee, including patellar subluxation or dislocation.
2. Previous knee surgery.
3. Suspicion of patellar tendinopathy, with strong consideration of pain localised to the patellar tendon.
4. Patients didn't receive physiotherapy treatment or use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for knee pain in the previous 3 months.
5. Any neurological or rheumatic disorders
6. Pain intensity more than 5 (based on visual analogue scale)
7. Hip and ankle pathology.
8. BMI more than 30%.
9. Pregnancy.

Where it's running

• Tasneem Khaled
  Cairo, Egypt Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Enas Fawzy, Professor — Cairo University
• Study coordinator: Tasneem Abdelghany, Bachelor
• Email: tasnim.khaled@acu.edu.eg
• Phone: 01015507353

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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.