Myofascial release therapy for knee pain related to patellar tracking issues

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of compressive myofascial release on the vastus lateralis muscle to improve lateral patellar tracking in patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS). PFPS is characterized by anterior knee pain and is often exacerbated by activities like squatting and running. The study employs a randomized controlled trial design, enrolling patients aged 20 to 40 diagnosed with PFPS and exhibiting specific symptoms and radiographic findings. The intervention includes baseline physical therapy treatment alongside the myofascial release technique aimed at alleviating muscle tightness and restoring optimal function.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age group between 20 to 40 years
* Male and female gender
* Diagnosed cases of Patellofemoral syndrome
* Participants with positive J sign and Clarke's test
* Pain provoked during knee loading physical activity, such as jumping, running, squatting, or going up or down stairs in last 3 months
* Presence of excessive lateral patellar tracking on axial view radiographs

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of knee surgery in the past year.
* Any contraindications to myofascial release therapy, such as active infections, open wounds.
* Presence of hip pathology or other knee conditions such as ligament tears, meniscal injuries, Osgood-Schlatter or Sinding-Larsen-Johanssen syndrome or jumpers knee
* Participants with a history of trauma or repetitive episodes of patellar subluxation or dislocation
* Use of intra-articular corticosteroid injections
* Presence of auto-immune disorder (spondylolisthesis, spondylitis, Rheumatoid arthritis etc.) other than knee OA or systemic conditions such as severe cardiovascular disease

Where it's running

• Social Security Hospital
  Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Ghulam Fatima, PHD* — Riphah International University
• Study coordinator: Imran Amjad, PHD*
• Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
• Phone: 03324390125

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Taping methods with hip and knee strengthening for patellofemoral pain

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• Tele-rehabilitation for patellofemoral pain in recreational athletes

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• Kinesio Taping vs McConnell Taping for Patellofemoral Pain: Adding Taping to a Hip-Knee Exercise Program

  This study tests whether Kinesio or McConnell taping, when added to a standardized hip-knee exercise plan, helps people 18–50 with patellofemoral pain more than exercise alone.

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• Three Ways to Strengthen the VMO for Patellofemoral Pain

  This study tests whether isometric, isotonic, or eccentric strengthening of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) in the 0–30° knee bend helps reduce knee pain and improve function in adults with patellofemoral pain.

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• Saphenous nerve release for patellofemoral (anterior knee) pain

  This trial will try a manual saphenous nerve release to reduce pain and improve knee function and balance in adults 18–35 with patellofemoral pain who have a positive saphenous neurodynamic test.

  Recruiting Cairo University · Cairo · NCT07318987

• Popliteus muscle release versus Kinesio taping for patellofemoral pain

  This will test whether popliteus muscle release or Kinesio taping better reduces pain and improves function in adults 18–30 with patellofemoral pain.

  Recruiting Cairo University · Cairo · NCT07290296

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.