Remote rehabilitation for chronic knee pain

Adherence and Feasibility of Remote Rehabilitation for Chronic Patellofemoral Joint Pain: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Peking University Third Hospital · NCT06651996

This study is testing if remote rehabilitation with exercise guidance can help people with chronic knee pain stick to their workouts and improve their knee function and strength.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment63 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorPeking University Third Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing)
Trial IDNCT06651996 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of remote rehabilitation for patients suffering from chronic patellofemoral pain. A total of 66 participants will be randomly assigned to receive varying frequencies of face-to-face remote rehabilitation guidance, with the primary focus on exercise adherence over a 6-week period. Secondary outcomes will assess knee pain severity, muscle strength, knee function, and fatigue levels, utilizing both qualitative questionnaires and isokinetic strength testing. The study aims to evaluate the feasibility and adherence to a home rehabilitation program supported by wearable technology.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals experiencing unilateral patellofemoral pain lasting more than three months with a pain score greater than 3 out of 10.

Not a fit: Patients with acute knee injuries, significant deformities, or a history of knee surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide patients with a convenient and effective method for managing chronic knee pain through remote rehabilitation.

How similar studies have performed: While this study is a pilot and may explore novel approaches, similar studies have shown promise in remote rehabilitation for various conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* (1) Anterior knee pain or retro-patellar pain caused by at least two of the following activities: prolonged sitting with knee flexion, bilateral squatting, ascending and descending stairs, kneeling, running, and jumping;
* (2) presence of one of the following signs: patellar tenderness, friction pain, or twitching pain, positive single-leg squat test, or positive knee extension resistance test;
* (3) knee pain lasting more than 3 months;
* (4) knee pain score greater than 3 out of 10 on the VAS;
* (5) unilateral pain and symptoms.

Exclusion Criteria:

* (1) acute injury of the knee ligaments, joint capsule, bursa or meniscus;
* (2) knee extension or flexion contracture deformity, thus being unable to perform normal lower limb flexion and extension;
* (3) patellofemoral joint dislocation or subluxation;
* (4) any traumatic, inflammatory or infectious disease of the lower limbs;
* (5) a history of knee surgery;
* (6) a history of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, tumors;
* (7) spinal cord or neurological injury.

Where this trial is running

Beijing

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Patellofemoral Pain
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.