This RCT Included 64 Participants (18-30y) With PFP, Ankle Dorsiflexion ROM <10°, and BMI 18.5-28 kg/m². Exclusions: Ankle Fractures, Achilles Rupture, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, Systemic Diseases, or Prior Knee/Ankle Surgeries. Randomized to Two Groups (n=32/Group): Experimental (Standard Exercise + Ankle Dorsiflexion Training) vs Control (Standard Exercise Only) at Matched Intensity/Frequency for 8 Weeks. Outcomes: VAS Pain, Kujala Scale, Ankle Dorsiflexion ROM. Certified Physiotherapists Supervise Sessions. Data Analyzed With SPSS 26.0. The Protocol Complies With the Helsinki Declaration.
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Not yet recruiting
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 64
- Primary Endpoint
- Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale
Study Overview
Brief Summary
Patellofemoral Pain (PFP) is a common knee condition causing pain around the kneecap during activities like running or squatting. Limited ankle flexibility ("dorsiflexion" - how far participants can lift their toes toward the shin) may worsen PFP by altering leg movements. This study investigates whether adding ankle flexibility exercises to standard knee-strengthening programs improves outcomes for young adults with PFP. Active adults aged 18-30 with PFP and limited ankle flexibility (measured with a simple tool) are eligible, excluding those with prior knee/ankle surgeries, fractures, or conditions like arthritis. Sixty-four participants will be randomly assigned to either an Exercise + Ankle Training group (standard knee exercises plus targeted ankle training) or an Exercise-Only group for 8 weeks under physiotherapist guidance. Outcomes include improvements in knee pain scores (Kujala Scale), ankle flexibility changes, and muscle coordination measured with non-invasive sensors. If effective, ankle flexibility training could provide a low-cost addition to current treatments, helping patients resume activities with less pain. The study follows international ethical guidelines and has received preliminary ethics approval (No. TJUS-2025-054).
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- None
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to 30 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria
- •Aged 18-30 years
- •Diagnosed with patellofemoral pain (PFP) per clinical guidelines (anterior knee pain aggravated by ≥2 activities: running, squatting, stair climbing)
- •Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) <10° (measured via goniometer in weight-bearing)
- •BMI 18.5-28 kg/m²
- •Engage in regular physical activity (≥3 sessions/week)
Exclusion Criteria
- •Ankle fractures
- •Achilles tendon rupture
- •Rheumatoid arthritis
- •Gout, or systemic diseases
- •Prior knee/ankle surgeries
- •Concurrent lower limb injuries (e.g., ligament tears, meniscal pathology)
- •Neurological disorders affecting mobility
- •Participation in other lower limb rehabilitation programs within 3 months
Arms & Interventions
experimental group
standard exercise + ankle dorsiflexion training
Intervention: Standard Exercise Therapy + Ankle Dorsiflexion Training (Other)
control group
standard exercise only
Intervention: Standard Exercise Therapy Only (Other)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale
Time Frame: Assess all outcome measures at baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after the completion of the 8-week intervention program (post-intervention).
Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion
Time Frame: Assess all outcome measures at baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after the completion of the 8-week intervention program (post-intervention).
Secondary Outcomes
- sEMG co-contraction ratios(All outcome measures (sEMG co-contraction) ratios are assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after completing the 8-week intervention program (post-intervention).)
Investigators
Wu Yuan
Principal Investigator
Tianjin University of Sport
