Quadriceps Strengthening At Different Angles in Patellofemoral Pain

Launched by UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO CEARA · Jul 9, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the best way to strengthen the quadriceps muscles in young adults who have patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFP), a condition that causes pain around the kneecap during activities like running or sitting for long periods. The trial will compare two different approaches: one where the range of motion for exercises is limited, and another where participants decide how far to move their knees during exercises. The goal is to see which method better reduces pain, improves knee function, and increases confidence in using the knee.

To be eligible for this trial, participants need to be between 18 and 35 years old and have experienced knee pain for at least three months. They should have pain during activities like climbing stairs or squatting. Participants will join a six-week program with exercise sessions lasting about 40 minutes, twice a week. Throughout the trial, researchers will monitor their pain levels and overall knee function. This study is currently recruiting participants, and it's important to note that individuals with certain knee injuries or previous surgeries may not qualify.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals aged between 18 and 35 years.
• • Diagnosis of patellofemoral pain characterized by peri- or retropatellar pain.
• • Pain reproduced in at least two of the following activities: ascending or descending stairs, squatting, kneeling, prolonged sitting, jumping, running, or palpation of the medial and/or lateral facets of the patella.
• • Insidious onset of symptoms.
• • Symptoms duration of at least three months.
• • Minimum score of three on the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) in the past week.
• • Maximum score of 86 points on the Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS)
• • In cases of bilateral pain, the more symptomatic knee will be included.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History of surgery and/or fractures in the lower limb joints.
• • Other knee joint-related injuries such as meniscal tears, ligament injuries.
• • History of patellar subluxation or dislocation.
• • Signs of osteoarthritis.
• • Patellar and quadriceps tendinopathy.
• • Osgood-Schlatter syndrome.
• • Presence of knee joint edema.
• • Contraindications to resistance exercises informed by a physician.
• • Corticosteroid injection within the last 6 months.