Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 35

Tele-rehabilitation for patellofemoral pain in recreational athletes

Official title: Usability and Effectiveness of Tele-rehabilitation Interventions on Pain, Range of Motion and Quality of Life in Recreational Athletes With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Run by University of Faisalabad · NCT07693634 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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.

More Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
Enrollment26 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Faisalabad
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Faisalābad, Punjan)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJune 9, 2026
Main results expectedAugust 2026
Study endsAugust 2026
Registry record updatedJuly 9, 2026
Trial IDNCT07693634 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Recreational athletes aged 18–35 with unilateral PFPS, sufficient internet and smartphone access, and a Kujala score indicating functional impairment.

Probably not a fit

Patients without reliable internet access, without smartphone capability, or with complex knee injuries or comorbidities excluded by criteria may not benefit.

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

What this trial studies

This randomized clinical trial compares a tele-rehabilitation program delivered via the Physitrack app with regular face-to-face physiotherapy in recreational athletes with unilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Both groups perform the same four-week exercise protocol, including stretching, strengthening, balance, and functional activities, with the tele-rehab group receiving remote supervision and progress monitoring. Primary outcomes include pain intensity, knee range of motion, and quality of life; secondary considerations encompass usability and satisfaction. The study aims to determine if remote, technology-assisted rehabilitation can provide similar clinical benefits and improved accessibility. Sixty-minute sessions and virtual check-ins are structured to mirror standard care while leveraging digital delivery.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, tele-rehabilitation could offer a convenient, accessible alternative to in-person therapy for PFPS, maintaining or improving pain and function while reducing travel and time burdens.

How similar studies have gone: Previous tele-rehabilitation studies in musculoskeletal conditions show pain reduction and functional gains, but evidence specific to PFPS in recreational athletes is limited.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Recreational athletes
* age between 18 and 35
* Males and females
* Unilateral Anterior knee pain between 3 to 6 on NPRS and retro patellar pain brought on by squatting, knee flexion, climbing, descending stairs, and extended sitting
* At least one month of knee pain
* Positive Apprehension test
* Can access the internet and smart phone
* Kujala questionnaire scale

Exclusion Criteria:

* Knee meniscus, ligament, and tendon injuries
* Knee effusion
* Dislocation of the patella, subluxation, and fractures
* Recent Surgery or fracture of the affected knee
* Neuromuscular, metabolic, and rheumatologic disorders.
* Who does not sign the consent form?

Where it's running

  • Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Faisalabad
    Faisalābad, Punjan, Pakistan
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.