Mindful Miles Pilot Feasibility Study for Individuals With Patellofemoral Pain

One in four Americans suffer from chronic knee pain, leading to inactivity, poor health outcomes, and psychological distress. Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is the leading cause of knee pain in the United States and is not a self-limiting condition, meaning intervention is necessary to resolve or improve symptoms. Even with interventions to target biomechanics and strength, most young adults (40-90%) report unfavorable persistent symptoms 1-20 years after PFP diagnosis, significantly impacting long-term quality of life.

Psychological distress is a central feature of PFP that may impact physical activity engagement, symptoms, and long-term health outcomes. Injury-related fear (i.e., fear of pain, painful movement, reinjury) is a common form of psychological distress in individuals with PFP and is associated with pain and disability. Higher levels of fear are also associated with reduced step rate (i.e., cadence), a key biomechanical variable linked to increased load and injury risk. Walking and running are primary modes of physical activity in both the general population and high performing athletes, often the first step in return to activity plans, and key behaviors in a healthy lifestyle.

Despite the known negative consequences of kinesiophobia, few studies have examined psychologically focused interventions for individuals with PFP. Mindfulness, the ability to stay fully present without judgement, has been used to address chronic pain and kinesiophobia in this population. However, no studies have examined how integrating mindfulness during physical activity, when patients are most likely to experience pain and fear, can improve outcomes.

This study will investigate the 1) feasibility and acceptability and 2) preliminary efficacy of a progressive and technology based mindful physical activity intervention to reduce knee pain/disability, reduce pain-related fear, and increase running cadence in adults with patellofemoral pain.

Patients will complete a three phase progressive mindful physical activity using the Headspace mobile application including 1) Introduction to mindfulness: listening to the Headspace Pain Management Course at home (ten 10 minute sessions), 2) Guided mindful running: three runs on separate days (12, 15, and 20 minutes respectively) listening to guided running audio scripts from Headspace, and 3) Mindful running: three runs on separate days (12, 15, and 20 minutes respectively) with no audio input, integrating learned mindfulness and pain management skills.