Clinical Research Directory

Distinct Directional Postural Stability Deficits Across Lower Limb Musculoskeletal Disorders

Lateral ankle sprain (LAS) and patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) are common musculoskeletal conditions associated with postural instability. However, the direction-specific nature of balance deficits and comparative patterns across these conditions remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare overall, mediolateral, and anteroposterior postural stability indices among individuals with LAS, PFPS, and healthy controls using the Biodex Balance System

MRI Study of Musculoskeletal Function

This study will use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound images to study how muscles, tendons, and bones work together to cause motion. The procedure is one of several tools being developed to characterize normal and impaired musculoskeletal function, with the goal of developing improved methods of diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders. Healthy normal volunteers must be age 5 to unlimited, with or without joint impairment, may be eligible for this study. Volunteers with joint impairment may not have serious injury to the joint being studied, previous surgery on the joint being studied, or extreme pain at the joint being studied. MRI uses a strong magnet and radio waves to create images of the inside of the body. The subject lies on a long narrow couch inside a metal cylinder (the scanner) for up to 3 hours while the scanner gathers data. Earplugs are worn to muffle loud noises caused by electrical switching of radiofrequency circuits used in the scanning process. A special pad or tube may be placed over or around the region being scanned to improve the quality of the data. The subject will be asked to repeatedly move a specific joint, such as the knee, for brief periods, usually less than 5 minutes. The subject can communicate via intercom with the person performing the study at all times during the procedure, and may request to stop the study at any time. ...

Stabilization vs Corrective Exercise in PFP

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a Functional Stabilization training program (FST) and a comprehensive corrective exercise program in PF pain and DKV.

Mindful Miles Pilot Feasibility Study

The goal of this single-arm pilot study is to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a progressive outdoor mindful physical activity intervention delivered via the Headspace mobile application for individuals with patellofemoral pain. AIM 1: Determine the feasibility and acceptability of the mindful activity intervention. AIM 2: Determine the preliminary efficacy of the mindful running intervention to improve the primary outcome of (2a) anterior knee pain, and secondary outcomes of (2b) kinesiophobia and (2c) running cadence and vertical forces (gait kinematics) in individuals with PFP. Our central hypothesis is that the intervention will be feasible and acceptable and will improve pain, kinesiophobia (injury-related fear), and running cadence (steps per minute) in individuals with patellofemoral pain. Participants will complete a three-phase progressive mindful physical activity intervention that involves: Phase 1: Introduction to mindfulness Phase 2: Guided mindful running Phase 3: Mindful running.

"Mulligan Technique vs Phonophoresis With Chitosan for Patellofemoral Pain"

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common knee condition causing pain and dysfunction. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two physical therapy treatments for PFPS: Mulligan mobilization with movement technique versus phonophoresis with chitosan gel. Forty-five participants with patellofemoral pain syndrome will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) Mulligan technique group, (2) Phonophoresis with chitosan gel group, or (3) Control group receiving standard physical therapy exercises. Each group will receive treatment 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The researchers want to determine which treatment is more effective in improving neuromuscular control, reducing pain, and improving function in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Participants will be assessed before and after the treatment period. This study may help physical therapists and healthcare providers choose the most effective treatment approach for patients with patellofemoral pain.

The Effects of Dry Needling on Patients With Knee Pain

This study is testing the effectiveness of "dry needling" for pain management and on muscle strength and leg function for those with knee pain. Dry needling consists of small, monofilament needles that are administered directly into the tissue and manipulated to make the muscle relax for pain relief. This technique is used to treat dysfunctions in skeletal muscle and connective tissue to help diminish pain, reduce impairments of body structure and restore function.

Sports Rehabilitation Therapy for Knee Joint Sports Injuries: A Case Study of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury and Patellar Chondromalacia

The primary objective of this clinical trial is to verify the superiority of a digital diagnosis and treatment system for the conservative management of knee sports injuries-based on wearable sensors, machine vision, and large language models-over conventional off-site rehabilitation in terms of functional outcomes. The secondary objectives include assessing safety and adverse events, compliance and feasibility, algorithm evaluation accuracy and usability, and generating clinical evidence to support the registration of a Class II medical device. Participants will undergo a six-month intervention comprising knee muscle strengthening exercises, lower limb balance and stability training, and stretching exercises. Follow-up assessments will be conducted every four weeks, recording IKDC and Lysholm subjective knee function scores, VAS pain scores, SF-36 quality of life scores, knee range of motion, and MRI findings.

Body Awareness-Based Rehabilitation on Physical Psychosocial Status in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a common knee condition that causes pain around or behind the kneecap, especially during activities such as walking, climbing stairs, squatting, or prolonged sitting. This condition can affect daily activities, movement quality, and psychological well-being. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a body awareness-based sensorimotor rehabilitation program on pain behavior, movement quality, and psychosocial outcomes in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving body awareness-based sensorimotor rehabilitation or a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy exercises. The rehabilitation program will focus on improving body awareness, posture, balance, and controlled movement patterns. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention period. The main outcomes include changes in pain-related behaviors, movement quality, and psychosocial status. The results of this study are expected to provide evidence on whether body awareness-based sensorimotor rehabilitation can be an effective approach for managing patellofemoral pain and improving both physical and psychological aspects of function.

Popliteus Muscle Release Versus Kinesio Taping

The aim of the current study is to compare the effect of popliteus muscle release and Kinesio taping on pain intensity, function, dynamic balance, and quadriceps muscle strength in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

EFFECT OF SAPHENOUS NERVE RELEASE ON PATIENTS WITH PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a frequent cause of anterior knee pain in young, physically active individuals, especially females, and is commonly managed with quadriceps and hip-focused exercises. However, the role of neural factors has been largely overlooked. The saphenous nerve, which supplies sensation to the anteromedial knee, may become irritated or entrapped and contribute to pain and neuromuscular dysfunction in PFPS. This study suggests that manual therapy targeting the saphenous nerve could improve pain, function, and balance, providing a more holistic approach to PFPS rehabilitation.

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.

Translation, Cross-cultural Validity and Reliability of a Danish Version of the Anterior Knee Pain Scale

The Anterior Knee Pain Scale (Kujala) is a questionnaire designed to assess adults with patellofemoral disorders and is widely used in both anterior knee pain and patellar dislocation patients.The questionnaire is a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM), that was developed in 1993 and has been translated and validated into most major languages (e.g. French, Italian, Chinese, German, and Spanish) and has gained wide international acceptance. In a recent systematic review, the Kujala was among the eight most commonly used PROMS for patients with patellofemoral pain. In addition, the Kujala was used in almost 80% of studies of patellofemoral instability/dislocation. The Kujala has been widely used in Denmark during the last 15 years, but surprisingly it has not been translated and validated in Danish according to international guidelines. The translation of the Kujala into Danish will stimulate to more valid and precise results of the Kujala questionnaire in both patients with anterior knee pain and patients with patellar dislocation The aim of this study is to cross-cultural translate and adapt the Kujala into a Danish Kujala-DK. Secondarily to determine validity and reliability of the Kujala-DK in two consecutive Danish populations of patients with either anterior knee pain or patellar dislocation.

Emovi 3D Knee Assessment Device Intervention for Operational Readiness

This is a randomized clinical trial investigating the use of the Emovi Knee Kinesiography information in the treatment of anterior knee pain in physical therapy.

Muscle Energy Technique With and Without Patellar Inferior Glide in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions among adolescents and adults with knee complaints, accounting for approximately 25% of knee disorders diagnosed in sports medical clinics. While the etiology of PFPS is suggested to be multifactorial, several contributing factors such as lower knee extensors strength, quadriceps imbalance, weak hip abductors and overuse have been identified.

BFR Training on Muscle Morphology

This randomized clinical trial study compares high-load eccentric training (HL-Et), sham LL-BFRt, and low-load blood flow restriction (LL-BFRt) in sportsmen. The primary inquiries it seeks to address are: Is LL-BFR superior to HL-Et and sham LL-BFRt in terms of improving muscle morphology? Is LL-BFR a more effective Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome and ACL injury preventive than HL-Et and sham LL-BFRt? The three intervention groups that will be randomly assigned to participants are LL-BFRt, sham LL-BFRt, and HL-Et. Participants are expected to carry out: Participants in LL-BFRt will be required to perform LL eccentric training at 30% of their repetition maximum (RM) and 70% of their artery occlusion pressure (AOP). This training will include stairs, single leg squat, and single leg deadlift. Participants in HL-Et will be required to perform LL eccentric training at 70% of their maximum number of repetitions (RM). In order to determine whether muscular morphology and the prevention of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome and ACL injury improve following the interventions and follow-up, researchers will compare LL-BFRt, sham LL-BFRt, and HL-Et.

Comparison Between the Effects of Mulligan and Maitland Mobilization on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

This study is a randomised control trial and the purpose of this study is to investigate and compare the "Effects of Maitland mobilizations and Mulligan Mobilization With Movement (MWM) in patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Effect of Specific Versus General Hamstring Stretch on Clinical Outcomes in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)

This randomized, Single-blind, parallel-group trial will compare the effects of three hamstring stretching interventions-general hamstring Muscle Energy Technique (MET), medial hamstring MET, and lateral hamstring MET-each combined with standardized TENS and progressive hip/knee strengthening, on hamstring flexibility (knee-extension ROM), anterior knee pain (Arabic Kujala score), pain intensity visual analogue scale (VAS), and lower-limb strength (hand-held dynamometer) in adults with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

Effects of Pelvic Tilt Exercises Along With Hip and Knee Focused Exercises on Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

This study is designed as a Randomized Controlled Trial to be conducted at the CRC Department of Chaudhary Muhammad Akram Teaching and research Hospital, Lahore.

Compressive Myofascial Release of the Vastus Lateralis on Lateral Patellar Tracking in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome is a prevalent condition characterized by anterior knee pain, often exacerbated by activities such as squatting, running, and stair climbing. This condition is frequently associated with improper patellar tracking, particularly lateral displacement, which can be influenced by various factors including muscular imbalances and tightness. The vastus lateralis muscle, part of the quadriceps group, is often implicated in contributing to lateral patellar tracking due to its attachment and alignment. Compressive myofascial release (CMFR) is a therapeutic technique aimed at reducing muscle tightness and restoring optimal muscle function. This study will explore the effects compressive myofascial release on the vastus lateralis in improving patellar tracking in patients diagnosed with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.The methodology of this study involves a randomized controlled trial with a sample of patients diagnosed with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. Non-probability convenience sampling technique will be used and participants will be recruited in groups after randomization. Participants(n=26) will be divided into two groups: the intervention group (n=13) receiving compressive myofascial release on the vastus lateralis, and a control group receiving(n=13) a routine treatment. The intervention will be administered over a period of four weeks, with sessions occurring three times weekly. Patellar tracking will be assessed using q-angle analysis both pre- and post-intervention. Additionally, subjective measures of pain and functional ability will be evaluated using the Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and the Kujala Patellofemoral Score. Data analysis will focus on comparing the changes in lateral patellar displacement and patient-reported outcomes between the two groups to determine the efficacy of compressive myofascial release in correcting lateral patellar tracking and alleviating symptoms of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. SPSS version 25 will be used for data analysis

Central Neuromuscular Dysfunction in Patellofemoral Pain

Patellofemoral joint problems constitute a significant portion of knee pain and injuries. Patellofemoral pain, which is among these problems, is a common musculoskeletal disorder with a poor long-term prognosis in the community. Disturbances in M. quadriceps femoris muscle function have been observed in individuals with patellofemoral pain. M. Quadriceps femoris dysfunction includes arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AKI). Abnormal joint afferent discharge, which is the cause of AMI, affects the excitability of the spinal and supraspinal tracts by limiting muscle activation and can have strong effects on the central nervous system. Therefore, not only spinal reflex pathways but also corticomotor and intracortical pathways are involved in the neurophysiological mechanism of AKI. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the motor cortex is used to evaluate the integrity of the motor pathways and to obtain information about the connections of the relevant brain regions. The limited number of studies examining the changes in corticomotor excitability of M. Quadriceps femoris with TMS in individuals with patellofemoral pain, and the differences in results, and changes in corticomotor excitability at different angular values of the knee joint during active movement have not been examined in studies to date, so it will be applied to individuals with patellofemoral pain by knowing more about central neuromuscular involvement. The aim of this study is to compare central neuromuscular involvement in individuals with patellofemoral pain with healthy individuals, and to compare the isometric muscle strength of the M. Quadriceps femoris muscle, force sense, knee joint function, quality of life, physical activity and kinesiophobia levels by comparing them with healthy individuals of the same age and gender. In the study, corticomotor involvement of M.Quadriceps femoris with TMS, isometric muscle strength with Lafayette Manual Muscle Tester, force sense with pressurized biofeedback unit, knee joint function with Kujala Patellofemoral Scale, quality of life with Short Form-36, physical activity with International Physical Activity Questionnaire, kinesiophobia l will be assessed with the Brief Fear of Movement Scale.

Comparison of IASTM and Muscle Energy Technique in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.

The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the effect of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and muscle energy technique on iliotibial band tightness on pain, range of motion and functional mobility in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

A Confirmatory Trial of Multidisciplinary Digital Therapeutics for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

This randomized controlled confirmatory study will be evaluating an mobile application, MORA Cure (ETH-01K), owned by EverEx, Inc., to examine safety and effectiveness in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Effect of Core Exercises on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

the goal of this interventional study is to Investigate the effect of core strengthening exercises on pain, strength, function, and balance in patients with PFPS.

Effectiveness of Wet Needling Technique in Patients of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

This study evaluate the effectiveness of wet needling technique in reducing pain, improving function and enhancing the quality of life in patellofemoral pain syndrome patient.Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a common knee condition that significantly affects physical activity and quality of life .