Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Conditions
Brief summary
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.
Interventions
PROCEDUREMulligan technique
Each mobilization with movement (MWM) is performed in three sets of 10 repetitions, with a 30-second rest interval between sets, 3 times per week for 6 weeks, before hip and knee strengthening exercises.
PROCEDUREPhonophoresis with Chitosan Gel
Phonophoresis (ultrasound with chitosan gel) is applied at 1 MHz, 1.0 W/cm², continuous mode, for 5 minutes, 3 times per week for 6 weeks before hip and knee exercises.
BEHAVIORALStandard Physical Therapy Exercise Program
Participants attend 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks. Each session includes stretching and hip and knee focused exercises. Progression involves weekly increases in repetitions and resistance based on pain levels (less than 3/10).
Sponsors
Ahram Canadian University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Caregiver)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Insidious onset of anterior knee pain * Retro patellar or peripatellar pain * Pain duration more than four weeks (chronic/subacute) * Pain severity ≥ 3/10 on Visual Analog Scale (VAS) * Pain during at least two of the following activities: stair ascent or descent, squatting, prolonged sitting (theater sign), or kneeling * Positive patellar compression test (pain reproduced by compressing the patella into the trochlear groove) * Patellar tenderness along the medial or lateral borders * Age between 18 and 35 years * Baseline Kujala score (Arabic version): approximately 67-71 (indicating moderate to severe dysfunction)
Exclusion criteria
* Traumatic injury (e.g., dislocation, fracture, ligament or meniscus pathology) * Inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, gout) * Prior knee surgery * Current use of NSAIDs or corticosteroids
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Maximal rate of force development (RFD) | Baseline and 6 weeks | Calculated from the slope of force- or torque-time curves obtained during rapid, explosive voluntary contractions also termed ballistic or rapid actions has become a key metric for assessing explosive strength in diverse populations, including athletes, older adults, and clinical patients |
| Pain at patella | Baseline and 6 weeks | Pain measured using the Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS). The scale ranges from 0 to 100 points, with 0 indicating maximum disability and 100 indicating no disability. Higher scores indicate better outcome (less pain and better function) |
Countries
Egypt
Contacts
CONTACTMennat-Allah Ali Elshafey, Master degree
Outcome results
None listed