Evaluating Mulligan Technique and Diclofenac Phonophoresis for Knee Pain
Official title: Effects of Mulligan Technique With or Without Diclofenac Phonophoresis on Pain, Range of Motion and Functional Disability of Knee Joint in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Run by University of Lahore · NCT06439251 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing if a combination of a special hands-on technique and a pain-relief treatment can help young women with knee pain feel better compared to regular physical therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase1; Phase2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 20 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 68 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Lahore Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab) |
| Trial ID | NCT06439251 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals aged 20-45 with unilateral anterior knee pain persisting for over two months and a pain score greater than 3 during activities.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with other knee pathologies, such as meniscus tears or osteoarthritis, will likely 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 study investigates the effectiveness of the Mulligan technique combined with diclofenac phonophoresis in treating patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), a common cause of anterior knee pain, particularly in young women. Participants aged 20-45 with unilateral knee pain will be randomly assigned to receive either the experimental treatment or standard physiotherapy over four weeks. The study will assess pain levels, range of motion, and functional disability using validated scales and measurements, with evaluations conducted by a blinded assessor. The goal is to determine if the addition of phonophoresis enhances treatment outcomes compared to routine physiotherapy alone.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and improve mobility for patients suffering from patellofemoral pain syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific combination of Mulligan technique and phonophoresis is novel, similar interventions have shown promise in managing knee pain in previous studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * • Patients of age range 20-45 years and both genders (Rehman, 2021 #171) * Unilateral anterior knee pain persisting for over two months, referred by orthopedic (Rehman, 2021 #171) * Pain scoring rate on numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) \>3 during at least two activities (Rehman, 2021 #171) * Patients with positive Clarke's test/ Patellar grind test (Rehman, 2021 #171) * Pain while going up and down stairs, when sitting with knees flexed and with squatting, kneeling or returning from squat. (Powers, 2017 #172) Exclusion Criteria: * • Patients with other knee pathologies; meniscus tears, bursitis, patellar tendon injury, ligamentous injury * Degenerative joint disorders; knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis etc. * Patellofemoral dislocation and / or frequent subluxation. * Patients having undergone lower extremity surgery * Those taking any pain medications
Where it's running
-
Lahore General Hospital
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Zunaira Saeed, Masters — University of Lahore
- Study coordinator: Zunaira Saeed, Masters
- Email: zunairasaeed444@gmail.com
- Phone: +923024728701
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Taping methods with hip and knee strengthening for patellofemoral pain
This study tests whether McConnell taping or Kinesio taping, each with a guided hip and knee strengthening program, helps people aged 26-44 with patellofemoral pain.
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Tele-rehabilitation for patellofemoral pain in recreational athletes
A randomized trial tests whether a remote, app-guided exercise program can help recreational athletes with patellofemoral pain as well as traditional in-person physiotherapy.
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Kinesio Taping vs McConnell Taping for Patellofemoral Pain: Adding Taping to a Hip-Knee Exercise Program
This study tests whether Kinesio or McConnell taping, when added to a standardized hip-knee exercise plan, helps people 18–50 with patellofemoral pain more than exercise alone.
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Three Ways to Strengthen the VMO for Patellofemoral Pain
This study tests whether isometric, isotonic, or eccentric strengthening of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) in the 0–30° knee bend helps reduce knee pain and improve function in adults with patellofemoral pain.
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Saphenous nerve release for patellofemoral (anterior knee) pain
This trial will try a manual saphenous nerve release to reduce pain and improve knee function and balance in adults 18–35 with patellofemoral pain who have a positive saphenous neurodynamic test.
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Popliteus muscle release versus Kinesio taping for patellofemoral pain
This will test whether popliteus muscle release or Kinesio taping better reduces pain and improves function in adults 18–30 with patellofemoral pain.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.