Functional Stabilization Training VS Comprehensive Corrective Exercises on Lower Limb Kinematics in Patellofemoral Pain and Dynamic Knee Valgus
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Not yet recruiting
- Sponsor
- Ahram Canadian University
- Enrollment
- 60
- Primary Endpoint
- Peak Knee Abduction (Valgus) Angle (3D motion analysis)
Overview
Brief Summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a Functional Stabilization training program (FST) and a comprehensive corrective exercise program in PF pain and DKV.
Detailed Description
PF pain impairs performance and quality of life and can predispose individuals to early PF osteoarthritis and Dynamic knee valgus has been identified as a modifiable risk factor for PF pain and serious knee injury .
Current rehabilitation strategies show mixed results. Solo hip strengthening programs may not correct Dynamic knee valgus. While both Functional Stabilization training (FST) and comprehensive corrective programs (CCEP) show potential benefits, direct comparisons are lacking. The FST suggested superior outcomes with functional training, but it did not specifically target DKV. Conversely, the CCEP demonstrated kinematic improvements, but included asymptomatic participants and lacked patient reported outcomes.
By directly comparing Functional Stabilization training (FST) with the CCEP, this study aims to provide clinicians with evidence based guidance on the most effective exercise strategy for improving lower limb kinematics and reducing pain. The findings could inform best practice guidelines and enhance outcomes.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to 35 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria
- •Patellofemoral pain lasting \> 6 weeks
- •Demonstrates dynamic knee valgus during single-leg squat (FPPA ≥ 10°).
- •Arabic Kujala Patellofemoral Scale (KPS) score \<
- •Age 18-35 years
Exclusion Criteria
- •Previous knee surgery; ligament/meniscus injury; or lower-limb fractures
- •Neurologic disorders.
- •Systemic inflammatory disease
- •Pregnancy.
Arms & Interventions
Standard Care (SC)
Standard care exercise program for patellofemoral pain. Participants receive 24 supervised sessions (3 sessions/week for 8 weeks), ~45-60 minutes/session." (If you want 1 extra line: "Exercises follow a conventional PFP program based on Baldon et al.")
Intervention: Standard Care Exercise Program (SC) (Behavioral)
Functional Stabilization Training (FST)
Functional stabilization/neuromuscular training to optimize movement patterns and dynamic alignment. 24 supervised sessions (3/week for 8 weeks), ~45-60 minutes/session. Includes warm-up/cool-down (~15 min) and ~45 min exercises. Intensity/progression increases every 2 weeks; exercises progress from ~2 sets (10-20 reps) with ~5-sec isometric holds to ~3 sets of ~12 reps with ~10-sec holds and added external load (weights/elastic resistance)
Intervention: Functional Stabilization Training (FST) (Behavioral)
Comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program (CCEP)
Comprehensive corrective exercise program targeting strength, flexibility, neuromuscular control, and alignment across the kinetic chain for dynamic knee valgus. 24 supervised sessions (3/week for 8 weeks), ~45-60 minutes/session. Three phases: weeks 1-2 sensorimotor/non-weight-bearing alignment + feedback + isometrics; weeks 3-6 progressive weight-bearing with increased load/complexity and emphasis on co-contraction/reciprocal activation; weeks 7-8 functional tasks to maintain gains and challenge multi-planar control. Visual/verbal/tactile feedback provided; progression only with correct technique
Intervention: Comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program (CCEP) (Behavioral)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Peak Knee Abduction (Valgus) Angle (3D motion analysis)
Time Frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
Change in peak knee abduction (valgus) angle of the stance limb measured using a 3D motion capture system (Vicon) during functional tasks (single-leg squat and drop/vertical jump landing). Lower values indicate reduced dynamic knee valgus.
Hip and Pelvis Kinematics (3D motion analysis)
Time Frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
Change in peak hip adduction, peak hip internal rotation, contralateral pelvic drop, and trunk lateral lean during the functional tasks measured by 3D motion capture.
Secondary Outcomes
- Kujala Patellofemoral Scale (KPS)(Baseline and 8 weeks)
Investigators
Ahmed Salah Eldin Alsayed Mohamed Ali Alshab
Assistant lecturer
Ahram Canadian University