Clinical Research Directory

Femoral Nerve Gliding Versus Lumbopelvic Manipulation in Management of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

The present study is the first one to compare the effectiveness of adding (FNG) versus (LPM ) to conventional exercise therapy in pain, knee functional abilities, hip extension ROM and femoral nerve electrophysiological studies among those with PFPS. This study will be conducted at the outpatient clinic of faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University Sixty patients with unilateral PFPS referred from an orthopaedic surgeon for selection criteria, will be included in the study. Measurement procedures, treatment procedures, and the study's goal will be explained to each patient before participation in the study. After being informed about the study aim, they will be asked to sign an informed consent for their approval to participate The study patients will be randomly assigned into three groups * Group A: control group will receive conventional hip-knee focused exercises only. * Group B: study group will receive FNG in addition to the same conventional hip-knee focused exercises. * Group C: study group will receive LPM in addition to the same hip-knee focused exercises All patients will receive 2 sessions/week for 6 weeks (12 sessions). They will be instructed to do the conventional hip-knee exercises at least two times per day. Each session will last for 20-30 minutes. Patients diagnosed with unilateral PFPS will be screened based on the following inclusion and exclusion criteria A sample size of 60 participants will be appropriate. The computations will done using G\* Power version 3.1.9.2 (Franz Faul, Uni Kiel, Germany) Randomization and blinding will be accomplished through using selected types such as A 1:1:1 allocation ratio will be employed for randomization using the website http://www.randomization.com. Blinding will be done on the patients, assessor, and statistician. All patients will be blinded to the task assigned to their group by ensuring they will be unaware of the exercises that the other group will complete. To maintain blinding, the intervention sessions will be administered to each member of the treatment group separately. Before the trial began, an impartial research assistant who will not participating in the study and he will keep the allocation sequence a secret. It will be kept hidden in opaque, sealed envelopes that will not be opened until baseline data will be collected Outcome Measures: 1. Knee Pain 2. Knee function 3. Electro-physiological studies including (sensory nerve conduction velocity and distal latency). 4. Sagittal plane hip extension range of motion as a reference for femoral nerve mechanosensitivity changes - The outcomes will be measured at baseline (pre-test) and after 12sessions (after 6 weeks) (post-test) Then patients will receive 4 types of assessments step's including pain assessment using NRS then knee function assessment using arabic version of AKPS then hip extension ROM assessment using digital goniometer after that the electrophysiological studies including femoral nerve will be conducted using the computerized electromyography device for measuring selective parameters such nerve conduction velocity and its amplitude along with onset and peak latency. Then Intervention will be completed as follow : All patients will receive two treatment session per week for six weeks (6 sessions), supervised by primary investigator. Separate sessions will be given to each treatment group's members. Each session lasted for 15-30 minutes. The three groups will receive hip-knee focused exercises approved by the clinical practice guidelines linked to the international classification of functioning, disability, and health from the Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association which consisted of hamstring/calf and ilio-tibial band stretching and hip/knee strengthening exercises. group B will receive FNG addition to hip-knee focused exercises. group C will receive LPM in addition to hip-knee focused exercise. The session of the control group will start with stretching exercises followed by strengthening exercises. On the other hand, the study group session will start with stretching exercises followed by femoral nerve glide and/or LPM then strengthening ex. The study has a 3 null hypothesis 1. There will be no statistically significant effects of adding FNG to conventional exercises in patients with PFPS on: A) Knee pain. B) Functional abilities. C) Hip extension ROM. D) Electrophysiological study (NCV and distal latency). 2. There will be no statistically significant effects of adding LPM to conventional exercises in patients with PFPS on: A) Knee pain. B) Functional abilities. C) Hip extension ROM. D) Electrophysiological study (NCV and distal latency). 3. There will be no statistically significant difference between adding FNG versus LPM to conventional exercises in patients with PFPS on: A) Knee pain. B) Functional abilities.C) Hip extension ROM. D) Electrophysiological study (NCV and distal latency).

Effects of Kinesio Taping Versus McConnell Taping on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.

The primary goal of this randomized clinical trial (RCT) is to evaluate whether Kinesio Taping versus McConnell Taping, when integrated into a standardized hip-knee strengthening and neuromuscular control program, produces significant effects in individuals aged 18-50 with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). The main question it aims to answer is: Does Kinesio Taping compared with McConnell Taping when both combined with a standardized hip-knee exercise program, produce different effects on quadriceps neuromuscular activation (VMO-VL sEMG), pain, functional knee pain, and dynamic knee valgus over a 6 week period intervention? Participants will be divided into three groups for comparison: the control group will receive a structured hip-knee physical therapy exercise program without any taping intervention, Kinesio Taping group with a standardized exercise program, and a McConnell Taping group with a standardized exercise program.

Comparative Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Training Versus Blood Flow Restriction Cycling on Pain, Quadriceps Strength, and Functional Outcomes in Athletes With Patellofemoral Pain

This randomized controlled trial compares blood flow restriction (BFR) resistance training (leg press and seated knee extension at 30% 1RM) versus BFR cycling (stationary cycling at low resistance) in 60 athletes (aged 18-40 years) diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Both interventions are delivered over 8 weeks (3 sessions/week) with a pneumatic cuff set at 80% limb occlusion pressure. Primary outcomes include pain intensity (NPRS), quadriceps strength (handheld dynamometer), and functional ability (Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale), assessed at baseline and post-intervention.

Adjunctive Effects of Heat vs Contrast Therapy With Otago Exercises on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the adjunctive effects of heat therapy and contrast therapy when combined with the Otago exercise program in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome aged 18 to 40 years. The study aims to assess whether these interventions can help reduce pain and swelling, improve knee range of motion, and decrease functional limitations associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Researchers will compare two groups one receiving heat therapy with the Otago exercise program and the other receiving contrast therapy with the Otago exercise program to see which approach provides greater improvement in outcomes. Participants will undergo regular supervised sessions that include the assigned thermal therapy and a structured set of Otago exercises targeting lower limb strength, balance, and mobility.

Influence of Training Surface and Mechanical Load on the Prevalence of Patellofemoral Pain in Recreational Runners

Background. Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is one of the most common causes of knee pain in recreational runners and is exacerbated by activities that load the patellofemoral joint. Although biomechanical differences between running surfaces and elevation profiles have been documented, the influence of terrain type and training load on PFP in non-professional runners remains poorly defined. Objective. To examine the association between predominant training terrain and the presence of PFP in non-professional runners, and to describe its functional severity. Secondarily, to analyze the relationship between terrain exposure, elevation, training load and volume with PFP, as well as the potential influence of previous knee history and footwear rotation. Methods. An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study conducted through an online survey targeting recreational runners. The primary outcome will be the presence of patellofemoral pain, defined according to the 2016 International Consensus, and functional severity will be assessed using the Spanish-validated Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale. Exposures will include the percentage of kilometers run on each terrain type, positive and negative elevation gain, internal load (session rating of perceived exertion × duration), training volume, and running pace. Potential confounders will include age, sex, body mass index, running experience, training frequency, previous knee history, lower-limb strength, accumulated elevation gain, and footwear rotation. Descriptive analyses and logistic regression models will be performed to identify independent associations. Expected results. To estimate the prevalence of PFP in recreational runners, identify terrain- and load-related factors associated with its occurrence, and define a predictive model to inform prevention strategies and training planning.

Ultrasound Examination of the VMO in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

The aim of this study is to examine in detail the ultrasonographic characteristics of the vastus medialis obliquus and vastus medialis longus muscles in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome and to compare these findings with those of healthy individuals. It is anticipated that the results obtained will contribute to a better understanding of the muscle-based mechanisms of PFAS and provide a scientific basis for the development of muscle-specific assessment and intervention strategies in physical therapy and rehabilitation practices.

AI Driven EX Versus Conventional in PFPS

This study aims to investigate and compare the effect of AI driven exercises program versus the conventional exercises therapy program on pain, function and dynamic knee valgus angle in treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome.This study is randomized controlled trial and includes 40 participants .These participants divided into 2 groups (A, B), each group will be assessed with 3 measurments (vas ,dynamic knee valgus, Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale) and each group will receive difeerent treatments. The individuals in group A(study group) will preceive AI driven exercises program while the individual in group B will receive conventional exercises therapy program. Participants in the both groups are prescribed a 6-week comprehensive exercises program (3 sessions per week) day after day and assessment procedure will be performed pre and post treatmeant .