Clinical Research Directory

Photobiomodultion in Anterior Knee Pain

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess the augmented recovery in the adolescent females with patellar tendinopathy using Phot- Biomodulation

Hybrid Telerehabilitation for Anterior Knee Pain in Routine Physiotherapy Practice

This study will examine how hybrid telerehabilitation is used in routine physiotherapy care for adults with anterior knee pain. Approximately 30 participants will be followed for 72 weeks while receiving individualized treatment from their physiotherapist, supported by the moveUP mobile application. The application provides prescribed exercises, educational information, communication with the physiotherapist, and progress monitoring. The study will assess adherence to rehabilitation, pain, knee function, quality of life, psychological factors, and physical activity. It will also explore whether patient adherence and physiotherapist engagement are associated with clinical outcomes. Interviews with patients and healthcare professionals will examine barriers and facilitators to using the platform in routine care.

Diagnostic Validity Ofclinical Tests for Infrapatellar Fat Pad Impingement Syndrome

The ETICHOFFA study is a clinical research project aiming to improve the diagnosis of Infrapatellar fat pad impingement syndrome, a common source of anterior knee pain. Although MRI remains the gold standard for diagnosis, clinical testing strategies lack validation. This observational study has two main objectives: to assess the diagnostic accuracy of a cluster of standardized clinical provocation tests for IFP impingement compared to MRI findings, and to identify clinical and subjective characteristics associated with IFP involvement confirmed by imaging. This observational study will recruit 50 patients aged 18 to 70 years with anterior knee pain rated at least 3 out of 10 in intensity. Participants will complete a secure online questionnaire documenting symptoms, pain distribution, aggravating and relieving factors, and pain intensity at rest, during activity, and daily life. They will also complete three validated scales: the Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS), the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK). A standardized clinical examination will be performed, including subpatellar skin temperature measurement, knee swelling assessment, passive range of motion testing, and a series of provocation tests targeting Hoffa's fat pad. Tests will be randomized to reduce bias and considered positive if they reproduce the patient's typical pain with an intensity of at least 2/10. Each participant must also undergo a standardized MRI of the knee within two weeks of the clinical assessment, interpreted blindly by an independent musculoskeletal radiologist. All data will be anonymized, stored securely, and analyzed using SPSS software. Diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests will be evaluated through sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratios. Functional outcomes related to taping will also be analyzed. The study has received ethical approval and adheres to GDPR standards for data protection. Participation is voluntary, with the right to withdraw at any time. The ETICHOFFA study is expected to enhance clinical diagnostic pathways for anterior knee pain associated with Infrapatellar fat pad involvement.

Elite Athletes: Trunk Mobility, Lower Extremity Flexibility, and Functional Balance Across Sports

This cross-sectional observational study investigated the relationships among dynamic Q angle, core muscle endurance, hip flexibility, and lower extremity functional status in elite adolescent athletes with and without patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). A total of 75 track-and-field athletes aged 15-18 years were included, 42 with PFPS and 33 healthy controls. Dynamic Q angle was assessed using a digital goniometric analysis of the step-down test, core endurance was measured with the McGill endurance tests, flexibility was evaluated using the Straight Leg Raise, Modified Thomas, and Ober tests, and functional status was assessed with the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). The study found that athletes with PFPS demonstrated a higher dynamic Q angle, lower core extension and lateral endurance, reduced hip flexor and iliotibial band flexibility, and lower functional scores compared with controls. Regression analyses indicated that hip flexor tightness and functional capacity were significant predictors of the dynamic Q angle in the PFPS group. These findings suggest that PFPS in adolescent athletes is a multidimensional condition influenced by proximal endurance, flexibility, and dynamic alignment rather than isolated knee-level factors.

Anterior Knee Pain and Patellar Tendon Elasticity After Infrapatellar Tendon-Split Tibial Intramedullary Nailing

This prospective single-center observational cohort study will evaluate the relationship between anterior knee pain and patellar tendon elasticity after infrapatellar tendon-split tibial intramedullary nailing. Adult patients undergoing standard tibial intramedullary nailing through an infrapatellar tendon-split approach will be enrolled after ethics approval. Patellar tendon elasticity will be assessed using shear-wave ultrasound elastography before surgery and during follow-up at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Clinical outcomes will include anterior knee pain severity, patellofemoral function, tendon-related symptoms, and knee range of motion. Inter-rater reliability between two independent radiologists will also be evaluated.

MORA Cure for Knee Osteoarthritis With Anterior Knee Pain

This prospective, multicenter, single-arm, sponsor-initiated pilot study will evaluate the clinical course and safety of MORA Cure in adults older than 50 years with knee osteoarthritis accompanied by anterior knee pain. Participants will use MORA Cure for 8 weeks. MORA Cure provides personalized rehabilitation exercises and cognitive behavioral therapy-based content through a patient mobile application supported by a clinician web portal. Clinical outcomes will be assessed at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8. The planned enrollment is 44 participants at two sites in the Republic of Korea.

Effects of Isometric, Isotonic, and Eccentric VMO Exercises in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by anterior knee pain, especially during activities such as stair climbing, squatting, running, and prolonged sitting. Weakness or delayed activation of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscle is considered an important contributing factor in the development of PFPS. This study aims to compare the effects of three different types of VMO strengthening exercises (isometric, isotonic, and eccentric) applied within the terminal knee extension range (0-30°) on pain, functional performance, and muscle architecture in individuals with PFPS. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three exercise groups. All participants will receive a standardized physiotherapy program, including heat therapy, TENS, and therapeutic ultrasound, followed by group-specific VMO strengthening exercises. The intervention will be performed three times per week for 8 weeks. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention and will include pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), functional performance (WOMAC, 30-second sit-to-stand test, and stair test), and muscle architecture parameters measured by ultrasound imaging. The results of this study are expected to provide evidence for optimizing rehabilitation strategies in individuals with PFPS.

Effects of Clamshell Exercises in Addition to Standardized Physical Therapy in the Management of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate whether adding clamshell exercises to standardized physical therapy provides greater improvements in pain and knee function than standardized physical therapy alone in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). PFPS is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by pain around or behind the kneecap that is aggravated by activities such as stair climbing, squatting, running, and prolonged sitting. Participants aged 18-45 years with clinically diagnosed PFPS will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The control group will receive standardized physical therapy consisting of warm-up exercises, stretching, quadriceps and lower-limb strengthening exercises, and cool-down activities. The experimental group will receive the same standardized physical therapy program with the addition of clamshell exercises targeting the gluteus medius and hip external rotator muscles. Both groups will participate in supervised treatment sessions lasting approximately 45 minutes, three times per week, for four weeks. Pain intensity will be measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and knee function will be assessed using the Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale before and after the intervention. The findings of this study may help determine whether incorporating clamshell exercises into routine physiotherapy improves rehabilitation outcomes for patients with PFPS.

Spring Loaded Tri-Compartment Unloader Knee Brace Study

This study will examine clinical outcomes related to pain and function in patients with anterior knee pain (i.e. focal patella and/or trochlea cartilage defect(s), patellofemoral arthritis) before and after standard of care, non-surgical management with and without the addition of a Tri-Compartment Unloader (TCU) knee brace during activities of daily living. Randomly selected participants will wear a TCU brace for several weeks during physical therapy and activities of daily living that is designed to reduce compressive forces in all three compartments of the knee during weight-bearing flexion. Our hypothesis is that TCU bracing will improve clinical outcomes related to pain and function.

Effects of Training Frequency on Patellofemoral Pain Rehabilitation.

This clinical trial aims to determine the optimal frequency of exercise therapy for improving pain, function, and quality of life in participants with patellofemoral pain. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does exercising twice a week provide the same benefits as exercising three times a week for individuals with patellofemoral pain? What are the optimal dosage, volume, and weekly exercise frequency for treating patellofemoral pain? The investigators will compare two groups of participants: one group of participants receiving exercise therapy twice a week and another group receiving exercise therapy three times a week. Both groups will follow the same exercise protocol targeting the muscles of the hip and knee joints. Participants: 84 volunteers (both male and female) with patellofemoral pain Physically active individuals aged between 18 and 40 years Interventions: Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups Both groups will perform the same exercises for hip and knee muscle strengthening Group A will exercise three times per week Group B will exercise two times per week The intervention will last for six consecutive weeks Assessments: Participants will be evaluated at the following time points: Before the intervention After the 4th and 6th week of intervention 6 months and 1 year after the end of the intervention The primary Outcome Measure will be pain intensity. Secondary Outcome Measure: Anterior knee pain during daily activities Kinesiophobia Pain-related self-efficacy Chronic pain-related self-efficacy Catastrophizing Muscle strength 3D Movement analysis Data Analysis: The investigators will use an intention-to-treat analysis, which means that all participants will be included in the study, regardless of whether they completed the treatment as planned. Appropriate statistical tests will be used to compare differences within and between the two groups, considering the time points and group factors. A 5% significance level will be adopted, which means there is a 5% chance that the results are due to random variation rather than the treatment effect.

Ultrasound Versus Magnetic Reseonance Imaging(MRI) in the Assessment of Anterior Knee Pain

Anterior knee pain , often known as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), is a prevalent orthopedic ailment. It usually happens while you're bending your knees. It can affect people of all ages, although it is most common among teenagers, young adults, and athletes . The actual etiology of anterior knee pain might be complicated, encompassing a variety of conditions; it causes disability, discomfort and a negative impact on the quality of life . A number of diagnostic techniques, including plain radiography, computed tomography, MRI, arthroscopy and ultrasound are used to identify the pathologies causing anterior knee pain. Arthroscopy, though accurate, is invasive and can cause complications. Palin radiographs and computed tomography expose patients to radiations