Improving knee movement in people with patellofemoral pain using brain stimulation and exercise
Modulating Cortical Excitability to Improve Functional Movements in Individuals With Patellofemoral Pain: a Randomized Control Trial
This study is testing if combining brain stimulation with exercise can help people with patellofemoral pain improve their knee movement better than just exercise alone.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Nevada, Las Vegas Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Las Vegas, Nevada) |
| Trial ID | NCT06565520 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the cortical excitability of gluteal muscles in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFP). Participants will undergo tDCS paired with exercise to determine if this combined approach is more effective in reducing knee cave-in during functional tasks compared to exercise alone. The goal is to enhance traditional treatment methods for PFP by exploring the feasibility of integrating brain stimulation into rehabilitation protocols. The findings aim to contribute to the understanding of cortical modulation in improving functional movements.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 to 45 with a history of patellofemoral pain for at least three months and who exhibit knee cave-in during functional movements.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience kneecap pain, have a history of knee injury or surgery, or have other contraindications such as seizures or balance disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved rehabilitation strategies for individuals suffering from patellofemoral pain, enhancing their functional mobility.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of tDCS and exercise for PFP is novel, similar approaches using tDCS for other conditions have shown promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. are between 18 and 45 years old 2. have had patellofemoral pain (PFP; kneecap pain) on one side for at least 3 months, and 3) the knee does cave in when performing functional movements. Exclusion Criteria: 1. do not have pain coming from the kneecap during screening; 2. have a history of knee injury or surgery, 3. have a history of seizures and/or taking anti-seizure medication, 4. have an implanted device that interacts with electric current, 5. have a history of balance disorder, 6. currently are pregnant or think they may be pregnant.
Where this trial is running
Las Vegas, Nevada
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas — Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kai Yu Ho, PhD — Unlv
- Study coordinator: Kai Yu Ho, PhD
- Email: kaiyu.ho@unlv.edu
- Phone: 7028952629
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.