NCT06958757Not yet recruiting
A Study on the Effectiveness of Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion Training in Patients With Patellofemoral Joint Pain.
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.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Last updated 6 May 2025 · Not updated for over 12 months - ask the site whether it is still open
Brief summary (registry, in English)
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).
- Status (registry)
- Not yet recruiting
- Study type
- Interventional
- Enrollment
- 64 (estimated)
- First submitted
- 19 Apr 2025
- Start date
- 6 May 2025
- Primary completion date
- 10 Sept 2025
- Lead sponsor
- Tianjin University of Sport
- Diseases
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- NCT number
- NCT06958757
What you commit to
- Study type: Interventional
- Planned participants: 64
- From 6 May 2025 to the primary completion date, 10 Sept 2025
- No sites listed in no country
- Visits and tests: ask the trial team, the registry does not list them
Built from the registry fields of ClinicalTrials.gov. It describes the study, not your situation.
Who cannot take part
Copied verbatim from ClinicalTrials.gov and grouped by topic. Only the trial team decides who can take part.
Prior treatment
- Prior knee/ankle surgeries
- Concurrent lower limb injuries (e.g., ligament tears, meniscal pathology)
Other illness
- Gout, or systemic diseases
- Neurological disorders affecting mobility
Other
- Ankle fractures
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Participation in other lower limb rehabilitation programs within 3 months
Who the study is looking for
- 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)
Age in the registry: 18 years to 30 years · Sex: All · Does not accept healthy volunteers
This page is information, not medical advice. Discuss any trial with your doctor.