Three Ways to Strengthen the VMO 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

In adults with patellofemoral pain, this randomized trial compares three approaches to strengthening the vastus medialis oblique within the terminal knee extension range (0–30°). Participants are assigned to one of three VMO exercise types—isometric, isotonic, or eccentric—after a standardized physiotherapy session, and exercise occurs three times per week for 8 weeks. Outcomes focus on pain, function, and muscle architecture, measured before and after the intervention. All participants receive similar baseline treatments (heat, TENS, and ultrasound) before performing their group-specific exercises. The trial will enroll about 90 participants aged 18–40 years at Firat University in Elazig, Turkey.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged between 18 and 40 years
* Clinically diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome
* Presence of anterior knee pain for at least 3 months
* Pain during activities such as stair climbing, squatting, running, or prolonged sitting
* Pain intensity of at least 3/10 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
* Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of knee trauma or surgery
* Meniscal injury, ligament injury, or knee instability
* Advanced osteoarthritis
* Neurological disorders
* Rheumatologic diseases
* Participation in a structured knee rehabilitation program within the last 6 months
* Pregnancy

Where it's running

• Firat University
  Elâzığ, MErkez, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Muharrem Gökhan Beydağı, PhD
• Email: mgbeydagi@firat.edu.tr
• Phone: +905323581105

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Hybrid Telerehabilitation for Anterior Knee Pain in Routine Physiotherapy

  This study tests a hybrid telerehabilitation program using a mobile app to support adults with anterior knee pain during standard physiotherapy care.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Université Libre de Bruxelles · Brussels and 1 other locations · NCT07842913

• 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

• 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

• Popliteus muscle release versus Kinesio taping for patellofemoral pain

  This will test whether popliteus muscle release or Kinesio taping better reduces pain and improves function in adults 18–30 with patellofemoral pain.

  Recruiting Cairo University · Cairo · NCT07290296

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.