Online education for knee pain management before physiotherapy
Is Online Patient EducatioN Feasible in People With Patellofemoral Pain Whilst They Wait for Physiotherapy
This study is testing whether an online education program can help people with knee pain learn to manage their condition better while they wait for physiotherapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years to 44 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Colchester) |
| Trial ID | NCT06744257 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial aims to assess the feasibility of an online patient education program for individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP) while they await physiotherapy. Participants will undergo an eligibility assessment to confirm their diagnosis and will then be randomized into two groups: one receiving access to an online education platform with modules on understanding pain, exercise initiation, treatment options, and case studies, and the other receiving standard care. The program is designed to enhance self-management skills and knowledge retention through quizzes at the end of each module. The study will gather outcome data to inform future larger trials.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-44 with gradual onset knee pain related to activities like running or jumping.
Not a fit: Patients aged 45 and older or those with other knee pathologies may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could empower patients with PFP to manage their condition more effectively while waiting for physiotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Similar studies have shown promise in using online education for patient self-management, suggesting this approach could be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18-44 years * Gradual onset retro-and/or peri-patellar pain * Symptoms reproduced during one or more of running; jumping; stair ambulation; squatting * Referred to East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust for outpatient physiotherapy at Colchester hospital * Able to read and understand written/spoken English Exclusion Criteria: * Aged 45 years and older * Symptoms of concomitant knee pathology * Symptoms commencing after trauma or knee surgery * Presentation inconsistent with patellofemoral pain during clinical examination * Unable to understand written/spoken English * Unable to give informed consent
Where this trial is running
Colchester
- East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust — Colchester, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Bradley Neal
- Email: R&D@esneft.nhs.uk
- Phone: 01473 704343
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.