Effect of Short Foot Exercise Combined With Focused Hip and Knee Exercises on Pain, Q Angle and Functional Outcomes in Female Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 尚未招募
- 发起方
- 入组人数
- 38
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Kujala Anterior knee pain scale (AKPS)
研究概览
简要总结
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of short foot exercises combined with focused hip and knee strengthening on pain, Q-angle, and functional outcomes in female patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Thirty-eight participants aged 18-45 years will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group (short foot + hip and knee exercises) or a control group (hip and knee exercises only) for a 6-week supervised rehabilitation program.
详细描述
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by anterior knee pain, particularly prevalent among females due to anatomical and biomechanical factors. Although conventional rehabilitation focuses on hip and quadriceps strengthening, persistent symptoms suggest the involvement of distal biomechanical contributors such as foot pronation and intrinsic foot muscle weakness.
Short Foot Exercise (SFE) targets intrinsic foot musculature, improves medial longitudinal arch stability, and enhances neuromuscular control. This study investigates whether combining SFE with hip and knee strengthening provides superior outcomes compared to conventional rehabilitation alone.
This study is a two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial including 38 female participants aged 18-45 years diagnosed with PFPS. Participants will be randomly allocated into experimental and control groups using a computer-generated sequence with allocation concealment. The intervention will be conducted over 6 weeks, with three supervised sessions per week.
The experimental group will receive short foot exercises along with hip and knee strengthening, while the control group will receive hip and knee strengthening only. Outcome measures including pain (VAS), functional status (Kujala AKPS), and Q-angle will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention.
The study aims to determine whether a combined proximal-distal rehabilitation approach leads to better improvements in pain, alignment, and functional outcomes.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- Double (Participant, Outcomes Assessor)
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 18 Years 至 45 Years（Adult）
- 性别
- Female
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •Diagnosed cases of patellofemoral pain syndrome confirmed by this protocol.
- •Females aged 18-45 years
- •Anterior or retro patellar knee pain lasting ≥ 6 weeks
- •Pain provoked by at least one PFJ-loading task, including:
- •stair climbing/descending,
- •prolonged sitting with knees flexed
- •Pain elicited by at least two of four clinical tests;
- •Pain during isometric quadriceps contraction at 20-30° knee flexion
- •Pain on palpation of the patellofemoral joint line
- •Pain during patellar compression
- •Pain during active resisted knee extension
排除标准
- •History of patellar instability, including subluxation or dislocation
- •Evidence of tibiofemoral pathology, such as: Ligamentous injuries, meniscal tears, and symptomatic knee effusion.
- •3. Previous knee surgery within the last 12 months
- •Radiographic or clinical knee osteoarthritis.
- •Neurological disorders or systemic inflammatory diseases that may influence gait or pain perception.
研究组 & 干预措施
(Short Foot + Hip and Knee Exercises)
Participants in this group will receive a combined rehabilitation program consisting of short foot exercises (SFE) along with focused hip and knee strengthening exercises. The intervention aims to address both distal (foot) and proximal (hip and knee) biomechanical factors contributing to patellofemoral pain syndrome. The program will be supervised, conducted three times per week for 6 weeks, with progressive advancement from non-weight-bearing to functional weight-bearing activities.
干预措施: Short foot exercise + Hip and Knee Strengthening exercise (Other)
(Hip and Knee Exercises Only)
Participants in this group will receive a conventional rehabilitation program consisting of focused hip and knee strengthening exercises only. This program targets proximal muscle groups responsible for patellofemoral joint stability and function. The intervention will be supervised, conducted three times per week for 6 weeks, and matched in duration and intensity to the experimental group.
干预措施: Hip and Knee Strengthening Exercises (Other)
结局指标
主要结局
Kujala Anterior knee pain scale (AKPS)
时间窗: Baseline measurement and after 6 weeks intervention
The Kujala AKPS is a 13-item questionnaire specifically designed to evaluate symptoms and functional limitations associated with patellofemoral disorders. It assesses domains such as limping, walking, running, stair climbing, squatting, sitting, swelling, and pain. Total scores range from 0 to 100. Scores ranging 90-100 indicating better knee function while score range from 0-50 shows significant pain and functional impairment.
Visual Analogue Scale
时间窗: Baseline measurement and after 6 weeks intervention
The Visual Analogue Scale is a 10-cm line used to assess the intensity of pain. Participants mark a point on the line that represents their current level of pain, ranging from 0 = no pain to 10 = worst possible pain. The distance in centimeters is measured to quantify pain severity.
次要结局
- Q angle(Baseline measurement and after 6 weeks intervention)