Muscle Oxygenation in Patellofemoral Pain

NCT07139158 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: GaziU-FTR-SS-03
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 41
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Patellofemoral joint problems account for a significant portion of knee pain and disability. Among these problems, patellofemoral pain is not directly related to any obvious structural abnormality and is characterized by pain in the retro- or peri-patellar region, particularly during activities such as squatting, running, and climbing stairs. It is commonly seen in the general population. The current literature highlights the tendency of patellofemoral pain to recur and become chronic despite all treatments. Individuals with patellofemoral pain often experience disorders in the neuromuscular function of the quadriceps femoris muscle, which is necessary for knee function and dynamic stability and is frequently suggested to play an important role in the pathophysiology of the disease. A decrease in the tissue's ability to utilize oxygen during exercise or physical activity may lead to permanent dysfunction of the quadriceps femoris muscle. However, no studies have been found in the literature examining changes in oxygenation of the quadriceps femoris muscle in individuals with patellofemoral pain. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate changes in oxygenation of the quadriceps femoris muscle in individuals with patellofemoral pain during various exercises and physical activities by comparing them with pain-free individuals.

Conditions

Patellofemoral Pain, PFP

Keywords

patellofemoral pain; near-infrared spectroscopy; lower extremity; kinesiophobia; physical activity

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Muscle Oxygenation

  Vastus medialis muscle oxygenation will be evaluated with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy at rest, during and after activity.

  Day 1

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Kujala Patellofemoral Score Scale

  Day 1

• International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)

  Day 1

• Adipose tissue thickness

  Day 1

• Numeric Pain Rating Scale

  Day 1

• Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale

  Day 1

Study Arms (2)

Patellofemoral Pain Group

Pain-free Control Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 40 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Twenty-one patients with patellofemoral pain and 20 pain-free controls will be conducted at Ankara Medipol University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department.

You may qualify if:

• years of age
• pain around or behind the patella, which is aggravated by at least one activity that loads the patellofemoral joint during weight bearing on a flexed knee (e.g., squatting, stair ambulation, jogging/running, hopping/jumping)
• the pain persist for at least four months, and be rated at ≥ 3/10 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
• vastus medialis muscle adipose tissue thickness \<20 mm
• Pain-free controls were age- and gender-matched, with vastus medialis muscle adipose tissue thickness \<20 mm.

You may not qualify if:

• a history of joint surgery
• meniscal and/or ligament injuries
• patellar instability, congenital patellar subluxation/dislocation
• any cardiovascular, congenital, or musculoskeletal disorders that could interfere with the assessment

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ankara Medipol University: lead
• Gazi University: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Ankara Medipol University

Ankara, Altındağ, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome; Kinesiophobia; Motor Activity

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Joint Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Phobic Disorders; Anxiety Disorders; Mental Disorders; Behavior

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Research Assistant

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 17, 2025
• First Posted: August 24, 2025
• Study Start: August 20, 2025
• Primary Completion: August 31, 2025
• Study Completion: August 31, 2025
• Last Updated: February 10, 2026

Record last verified: 2025-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)