Effect of Stretching the Tensor Fascia Lata on Knee Muscle Activity

Impact of Tensor Fascia Lata Stretch Prior to Squat on Vastus Medialis Obliqus Activity in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

This study is testing if stretching a specific muscle can help improve knee muscle activity in people with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 37 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 30 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Ahram Canadian University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Cairo)
• Trial ID: NCT06736756 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are young adults aged 18 to 30 who experience nontraumatic anterior knee pain and have a BMI between 18.5 and 29.9.

Not a fit: Patients with significant knee pathology, previous knee surgeries, or those with a BMI over 30 may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation techniques for patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome, potentially reducing their knee pain and enhancing their functional abilities.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, previous research has indicated that targeted muscle activation exercises can be beneficial for patients with similar conditions.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Cairo

• Tasneem Khaled — Cairo, Egypt (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Enas Fawzy, Professor — Cairo University
• Study coordinator: Tasneem Abdelghany, Bachelor

Conditions Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome