High-load resistance training for knee pain in hypermobile patients
High-load Resistance Training Compared With Usual Care for Treatment of Painful Knee Joint Hypermobility in Young Adults: A Randomised Controlled Trial (the HIPEr-Knee Study)
This study is testing whether high-load resistance training can help young adults with hypermobile joints and knee pain feel better and move more easily compared to standard care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Southern Denmark Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Odense, Fyn and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06277401 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of high-load resistance training compared to usual care for reducing activity-related knee pain in young adults aged 18-45 with hypermobile joints. Patients typically receive low-intensity resistance and proprioceptive training, but many do not achieve satisfactory results. The trial aims to determine if a more intensive training approach can improve pain and function by enhancing muscle strength and joint stability. Participants will be assessed for eligibility based on their knee pain and hypermobility characteristics.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are young adults aged 18-45 with persistent knee pain and diagnosed hypermobility.
Not a fit: Patients with specific knee conditions like patellar tendinopathy or recent knee surgeries may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce knee pain and improve function for patients with hypermobile joints.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence on high-load resistance training for this specific population, similar approaches have shown promise in improving outcomes for other musculoskeletal conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria * Persistent knee pain for ≥ 3 months (self-reported) * Knee pain ≥ 30mm during the last week using a 0-100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS; 0=no pain and 100=worst imaginable pain) (self-reported) * Generalised joint hypermobility assessed with the Five-Part Hypermobility Questionnaire (positive ≥ 2/5) (self-reported) * Local knee joint hypermobility using the passive hyperextension of the knee in standing (positive \> 10 degrees of hyperextension) and confirmed in supine lying (heel resting on 20 cm high block on the bench surface), with passive knee hyperextension (positive \> 10 degrees) (objectively measured) Exclusion criteria * Diagnosed with patellar tendinopathy * Pregnancy or childbirth within the past year (due to increased levels of relaxin that could affect joint stability) * Knee surgery within the past year * Participation in regular structured resistance training within the past six months * Inability to speak and understand Danish. * All types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome * Other heritable connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Stickler syndrome, skeletal dysplasias * Autoimmune rheumatic connective tissue disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis; Chromosomal conditions such as Fragile X syndrome, Kabuki syndrome, Down syndrome * Neuromuscular disorders that can cause joints to become unstable, such as multiple sclerosis
Where this trial is running
Odense, Fyn and 1 other locations
- Physiotherapy Clinics Region of Southern Denmark — Odense, Fyn, Denmark (Recruiting)
- University of Southern Denmark — Odense, Fyn, Denmark (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Behnam Liaghat, PhD — University of Southern Denmark
- Study coordinator: Behnam Liaghat, PhD
- Email: bliaghat@health.sdu.dk
- Phone: +4526826801
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.