Strengthening quadriceps at different angles for patellofemoral pain
Quadriceps Strengthening Under Limited Range of Motion Compared to Patient-guided Range of Motion on Pain, Kinesiophobia and Function in Individuals with Patellofemoral Pain: a Randomized Clinical Trial
NA · Universidade Federal do Ceara · NCT06502795
This study is testing two different ways to strengthen the thigh muscles in people with patellofemoral pain to see which method helps reduce pain and improve movement better.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 110 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universidade Federal do Ceara (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Fortaleza, Ceará) |
| Trial ID | NCT06502795 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of two different quadriceps strengthening approaches for individuals suffering from patellofemoral pain syndrome. Participants will be randomized into two groups: one will perform exercises within a limited range of motion, while the other will engage in patient-guided exercises to their maximum tolerated range. Both groups will start with a warm-up and dynamic stretching before performing open and closed kinetic chain exercises. The goal is to determine which approach yields better outcomes in terms of pain management and functional improvement.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 to 35 with a diagnosis of patellofemoral pain lasting at least three months.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of knee surgery, fractures, or other significant knee injuries may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective rehabilitation strategies for patients with patellofemoral pain, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While there is existing literature on quadriceps strengthening for patellofemoral pain, this specific approach of patient-guided range of motion is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals aged between 18 and 35 years. * Diagnosis of patellofemoral pain characterized by peri- or retropatellar pain. * Pain reproduced in at least two of the following activities: ascending or descending stairs, squatting, kneeling, prolonged sitting, jumping, running, or palpation of the medial and/or lateral facets of the patella. * Insidious onset of symptoms. * Symptoms duration of at least three months. * Minimum score of three on the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) in the past week. * Maximum score of 86 points on the Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS) * In cases of bilateral pain, the more symptomatic knee will be included. Exclusion Criteria: * History of surgery and/or fractures in the lower limb joints. * Other knee joint-related injuries such as meniscal tears, ligament injuries. * History of patellar subluxation or dislocation. * Signs of osteoarthritis. * Patellar and quadriceps tendinopathy. * Osgood-Schlatter syndrome. * Presence of knee joint edema. * Contraindications to resistance exercises informed by a physician. * Corticosteroid injection within the last 6 months.
Where this trial is running
Fortaleza, Ceará
- Physiotherapy Department, Federal University of Ceará — Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Gabriel Almeida, DSc
- Email: gabriel_alm@hotmail.com
- Phone: +55(85)999590400
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.
Conditions: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Patellofemoral Joint, Chondromalacia Patellae, Physical Therapy Modalities, Quadriceps Muscle, Resistance Training, Exercise Therapy