Evaluating Mulligan Technique and Diclofenac Phonophoresis for Knee Pain
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
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 |
| Enrollment | 68 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Lahore Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab) |
| Trial ID | NCT06439251 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
Not a fit: Patients with other knee pathologies, such as meniscus tears or osteoarthritis, will likely not benefit from this study.
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 performed: While the specific combination of Mulligan technique and phonophoresis is novel, similar interventions have shown promise in managing knee pain in previous studies.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.