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.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 26 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Faisalabad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Faisalābad, Punjan) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 9, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 2026 |
| Study ends | August 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07693634 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
- Study coordinator: Dr. Noreen Kiran Assit Professor
- Email: noreenkiran.DPT@tuf.edu.pk
- Phone: +923451438143
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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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.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.