Knee range of motion during rehab exercises and pain in patellofemoral pain
Exploring the Relationship Between Range of Motion in Knee Rehabilitation Exercises and Pain in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
This study will test whether increasing knee range of motion during three closed-chain exercises changes pain levels in people aged 15–35 with patellofemoral pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Ages | 15 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Linnaeus University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kalmar) |
| Trial ID | NCT07287267 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
In this cross-sectional observational study, people with unilateral patellofemoral pain aged 15–35 perform repeated trials of squat, single-leg squat, and split squat with progressively increased knee flexion. During each trial participants report pain on a 0–10 visual analogue scale until they either reach full depth or report pain greater than 5. The protocol compares reported pain to measured range of motion across the three exercises to define pain responses at different flexion angles. Eligibility requires a licensed diagnosis in one knee, a Tegner activity level of at least 3 before injury, and low resting pain to reduce confounding.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are 15–35-year-olds diagnosed with patellofemoral pain in only one knee, who had a Tegner activity level of at least 3 before their injury and can perform closed-chain knee exercises with low resting pain.
Not a fit: Patients with bilateral knee problems, significant resting pain or other injuries that limit exercise performance, older adults, or those unable to travel to the study site are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clinicians set safe range-of-motion targets during rehabilitation to reduce pain flare-ups and tailor exercise prescriptions for people with PFPS.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked knee mechanics and exercise loading to PFPS symptoms, but precise pain thresholds across progressive range-of-motion trials are largely untested, making this a focused but partly novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients diagnosed with PFP in only one knee by a licensed healthcare professional. * Aged 15-35 years. * A physical activity level of 3/10 or higher on the Tegner Activity Scale before the injury. Exclusion Criteria: * Any prior injury or condition with residual symptoms that may affect the results. * Current injury or condition affecting the performance of the test. * Resting pain greater than 0-1/10 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS) and pain greater than 1-2/10 during light daily activities such as walking, sitting, standing, or climbing stairs.
Where this trial is running
Kalmar
- Linnaues University — Kalmar, Sweden (Recruiting)
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.