Modulating Cortical Excitability to Improve Functional Movements in Individuals With Patellofemoral Pain

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
• Interventions: Device: transcranial direct current stimulator

• Registration Number: NCT06565520
• Lead Sponsor: University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Brief Summary

This study sought to investigate whether modulation of cortical excitability of the gluteal musculature, via tDCS paired with exercise, will reduce the amount the knee caves in during functional tasks in individuals with PFP. The objective is the explore if having tDCS target the area of the brain controlling hip muscles, when paired with exercise, will be more effective in reducing the amount the knee caves in for individuals with PFP versus those who receive exercise alone as their treatment. The aim is to contribute our findings to the growing knowledge in this area in order to help establish the possibility, and feasibility, of its use in clinical settings to strengthen traditional treatments for this patient population.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2024-04-24
• Status Verified: 2024-08
• Study First Submitted: 2024-08-07
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-08-19
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-08-19
• Study First Posted: 2024-08-22
• Last Update Posted: 2024-08-22
• Primary Completion: 2025-04-21
• Study Completion: 2025-04-21

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 50

Inclusion Criteria

1. are between 18 and 45 years old
2. have had patellofemoral pain (PFP; kneecap pain) on one side for at least 3 months, and 3) the knee does cave in when performing functional movements.

Exclusion Criteria

1. do not have pain coming from the kneecap during screening;
2. have a history of knee injury or surgery,
3. have a history of seizures and/or taking anti-seizure medication,
4. have an implanted device that interacts with electric current,
5. have a history of balance disorder,
6. currently are pregnant or think they may be pregnant.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: CROSSOVER

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Sham	transcranial direct current stimulator	-
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)	transcranial direct current stimulator	-

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
knee frontal plane projection angle	Baseline and Immediately after intervention
trunk lean angle	Baseline and Immediately after intervention
hip frontal plane projection angle	Baseline and Immediately after intervention
dynamic valgus index	Baseline and Immediately after intervention

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Nevada, Las Vegas; 🇺🇸 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States