Mindful Miles: a pilot mindful running program for anterior knee pain
Mindful Miles Pilot Feasibility Study for Individuals With Patellofemoral Pain
This program tests whether a progressive outdoor mindful running intervention delivered through the Headspace app can reduce anterior knee pain, lower fear of movement, and improve running cadence and gait in adults with patellofemoral pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Durham, North Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT07462429 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-arm pilot enrolls adults with patellofemoral pain to complete a three-phase progressive mindful physical activity program delivered via the Headspace mobile app with in-person study visits at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. The trial measures feasibility and acceptability alongside preliminary efficacy on anterior knee pain, kinesiophobia (fear of movement), and running mechanics including cadence and vertical forces. Participants must be able to run up to 20 minutes and have a mobile device to access the app; those with recent lower-extremity surgery, recent musculoskeletal injury, neuromuscular conditions, or pregnancy are excluded. Outcomes will inform whether a larger controlled trial is warranted.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older with clinically consistent patellofemoral pain who can run up to 20 minutes, have a smartphone to use Headspace, and can attend in-person visits at UNC Chapel Hill are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who cannot or will not run, who have recent lower-extremity surgery or recent musculoskeletal injuries, neuromuscular disorders, are pregnant, lack a compatible mobile device, or cannot attend in-person visits are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce knee pain and movement-related fear while improving running mechanics to help people return to activity.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior work using mindfulness for chronic pain and gait-retraining for running mechanics has shown promise, but mindfulness-focused interventions specifically for patellofemoral pain remain limited and preliminary.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years old or older * Have access to an electronic mobile device that can be used to download the Headspace application * Meet the established diagnostic criteria for patellofemoral pain: pain in/around the anterior knee, and reproduction of this pain with movements that load the patellofemoral joint (i.e., squatting, stair climbing or descent, running, or jumping) based on self-report Exclusion Criteria: * History of other musculoskeletal injuries in the past 6 months * Previous lower extremity musculoskeletal surgery in the past 12 months * Neuromuscular conditions that may affect movement, * Currently pregnant * Unable to attend in person study visits * Unable or unwilling to run for up to 20 minutes
Where this trial is running
Durham, North Carolina
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Durham, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hana Marmura, PhD, MPT — University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Hana R Marmura, PhD, MPT
- Email: hmarmura@unc.edu
- Phone: 19192367331
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.