Popliteus muscle release versus Kinesio taping for patellofemoral pain

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

Adults aged 18–30 with at least three months of patellofemoral pain and a minimum worst-week pain score of 3/10 will be enrolled. Participants will receive one of three interventions—popliteus muscle release, Kinesio taping, or standard physical therapy—and outcomes will include pain intensity, knee function, dynamic balance, and quadriceps strength. Pain will be measured with a visual analog scale and function, balance, and strength with standardized clinical and performance tests. The trial compares the short-term effects of a targeted soft-tissue release versus supportive taping when added to conventional care.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients of both genders with an age range of 18-30 years old.
* minimum 3-month history of patellofemoral pain.
* a pain score for worst pain intensity during the previous week of 3 or more on a Visual Analog Scale (0-10, most pain).
* reproduced by at least two of the following activities: Stair ascent or descent, hopping, running, prolonged sitting, squatting, or kneeling and present on at least one of the following clinical tests: Compression of the patella or palpation of the patellar facets.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Clinical, x-ray, or MRI findings indicative of other specific pathology, including osteoarthritis, meniscal, ligament, or cartilage injury, or apophysitis.
* recurrent patellar subluxation or dislocation.
* cortisone use over an extended period of time.
* previous surgery to the knee joint; trauma to the knee joint affecting the presenting clinical condition.
* physiotherapy or other similar exercises for patellofemoral pain syndrome within the previous 3 months.

Where it's running

• Cairo
  Cairo, Egypt Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Hafsa He Abdullah, MSc — Cairo University
• Study coordinator: Hafsa He Abdullah, MSc
• Email: Hafsahesham55@gmail.com
• Phone: 01007069080

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

  This study tests whether McConnell taping or Kinesio taping, each with a guided hip and knee strengthening program, helps people aged 26-44 with patellofemoral pain.

  Recruiting Foundation University Islamabad · Islamabad, Punjab Province · NCT07831200

• Tele-rehabilitation for patellofemoral pain in recreational athletes

  A randomized trial tests whether a remote, app-guided exercise program can help recreational athletes with patellofemoral pain as well as traditional in-person physiotherapy.

  Recruiting University of Faisalabad · Faisalābad, Punjan · NCT07693634

• 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.

  Recruiting Cairo University · Beirut, Beirut · NCT07671482

• 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.

  Recruiting Firat University · Elâzığ, MErkez · NCT07562425

• 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

• Myofascial release therapy for knee pain related to patellar tracking issues

  This study is trying out a special massage technique to see if it can help young adults with knee pain from patellar tracking issues feel better and move more easily.

  Recruiting Riphah International University · Lahore, Punjab Province · NCT06875804

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.