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

Launched by CAIRO UNIVERSITY · Jun 2, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at different types of hamstring stretches to see how they can help people with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), which causes knee pain. Participants will be divided into groups to receive different stretching techniques combined with standard treatments like electrical stimulation and exercises to strengthen the hips and knees. The goal is to find out which stretching method best improves flexibility, reduces knee pain, and increases lower limb strength.

To join this study, individuals should be between 18 and 30 years old, have had knee pain for at least three months that gets worse with certain activities (like squatting or running), and report a pain level of 3 or higher on a scale from 0 to 10. Participants should also not have had recent knee surgeries or certain medical conditions that could affect their ability to exercise. If you take part, you can expect to learn more about your knee pain and receive specialized stretching and strengthening exercises that may help improve your condition.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Anterior or retropatellar knee pain lasting at least three months
• • Pain reproduced by at least two functional tasks: squatting, kneeling, prolonged sitting, stair climbing, hopping or running
• • Pain intensity of ≥3 on a Visual Analog Scale
• • positive active knee extension test (inability to achieve greater than 160° of knee extension with the hip at 90° of flexion)
• • Body mass index (BMI) \< 30 Kg/m² and \> 18Kg/m²
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Previous knee surgery
• • History of knee pathologies, such as meniscal injury' ligament injury, or knee osteoarthritis
• • Psychological, cardiovascular' or neurological disorders
• • Dizziness or fainting while doing exercises, pregnancy, or any contraindications to exercise
• • Physical therapy treatment in the last 3 months