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Clinical Trials/NCT07384858
NCT07384858
Recruiting
Not Applicable

Effects of Attentional Focus Strategies During Isokinetic Quadriceps Training on Strength and Functional Performance in Individuals With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.

Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa1 site in 1 country36 target enrollmentStarted: February 2, 2026Last updated:

Overview

Phase
Not Applicable
Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
Enrollment
36
Locations
1
Primary Endpoint
Kujala Patellofemoral Pain Score

Overview

Brief Summary

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a multifactorial musculoskeletal condition that is common particularly among young and physically active individuals, negatively affecting activities of daily living and physical performance. Although exercise therapy is considered the gold standard in the management of PFPS, there is limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of motor learning strategies applied during exercise. This study aims to shed light on how motor learning approaches can be optimized in clinical rehabilitation by comparing the effects of internal and external focus strategies used during exercise on muscle activation, functional performance, and pain.

This research will make a methodological contribution to the literature through the objective evaluation of muscle mechanical properties using isokinetic assessment and the MyotonPRO device. The findings are expected to clarify the effects of attentional focus strategies on therapeutic outcomes in PFPS rehabilitation and have the potential to provide an evidence-based guide for physiotherapy practice. In this way, the study may contribute to the development of new approaches aimed at improving both clinical effectiveness and patient adherence.

Study Design

Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention Model
Parallel
Primary Purpose
Treatment
Masking
Single (Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility Criteria

Ages
18 Years to 45 Years (Adult)
Sex
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  • Aged between 18 and 45 years.
  • Diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).
  • Anterior or retropatellar knee pain persisting for at least four weeks with a VAS score \>
  • Pain exacerbated by at least two functional activities (e.g., squatting, stair climbing, prolonged sitting).
  • Willing to regularly participate in the 6-week program throughout the study period.

Exclusion Criteria

  • History of patellar subluxation or dislocation.
  • Anterior or posterior cruciate ligament insufficiency.
  • Lower extremity fractures.
  • Neurological or systemic musculoskeletal disorders.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory joint diseases.
  • History of knee surgery, meniscal injury, or any other underlying musculoskeletal condition that would prevent the participant from performing the exercises.
  • Pregnancy or postpartum period.
  • Participation in a similar exercise program within the last 3 months.
  • Radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis classified as Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 or higher.

Arms & Interventions

Internal focus

Experimental

Intervention: Internal focus group (Other)

External focus

Experimental

Intervention: External focus (Other)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Kujala Patellofemoral Pain Score

Time Frame: baseline

Kujala Patellofemoral Pain Score is a valid and reliable self-reported outcome measure specific to patellofemoral pain syndrome that assesses knee function and pain-related limitations during daily activities. The total score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better knee function and fewer symptoms.

Kujala Patellofemoral Pain Score

Time Frame: Week 3 of the Treatment

Kujala Patellofemoral Pain Score is a valid and reliable self-reported outcome measure specific to patellofemoral pain syndrome that assesses knee function and pain-related limitations during daily activities. The total score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better knee function and fewer symptoms.

Kujala Patellofemoral Pain Score

Time Frame: Week 6 of the Treatment

Kujala Patellofemoral Pain Score is a valid and reliable self-reported outcome measure specific to patellofemoral pain syndrome that assesses knee function and pain-related limitations during daily activities. The total score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better knee function and fewer symptoms.

Secondary Outcomes

  • Visual Analog Scale(baseline)
  • Visual Analog Scale(Week 3 of the Treatment)
  • Visual Analog Scale(Week 6 of the Treatment)
  • Isokinetic Muscle Strength Assessment (Isoforce)(baseline)
  • Isokinetic Muscle Strength Assessment (Isoforce)(Week 3 of the Treatment)
  • Isokinetic Muscle Strength Assessment (Isoforce)(Week 6 of the Treatment)
  • Muscle Tone(baseline)
  • Muscle Tone(Week 3 of the Treatment)
  • Muscle Tone(Week 6 of the Treatment)
  • Muscle Stiffness(baseline)
  • Muscle Stiffness(Week 3 of the Treatment)
  • Muscle Stiffness(Week 6 of the Treatment)
  • Muscle Elasticity(baseline)
  • Muscle Elasticity(Week 3 of the Treatment)
  • Muscle Elasticity(Week 6 of the Treatment)
  • Step-Down Test(baseline)
  • Step-Down Test(Week 3 of the Treatment)
  • Step-Down Test(Week 6 of the Treatment)
  • Single-Leg Hop Test(baseline)
  • Single-Leg Hop Test(Week 3 of the Treatment)
  • Single-Leg Hop Test(Week 6 of the Treatment)

Investigators

Sponsor
Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
Sponsor Class
Other
Responsible Party
Principal Investigator
Principal Investigator

Seda Ateş

physiotherapist

Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Study Sites (1)

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