Adjunctive Effects of Heat vs Contrast Therapy With Otago Exercises on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

NCT07293195 | Completed DMC

• 2 other identifiers: LCPT/DPT/ERB/31U1111-1332-0257
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the adjunctive effects of heat therapy and contrast therapy when combined with the Otago exercise program in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome aged 18 to 40 years. The study aims to assess whether these interventions can help reduce pain and swelling, improve knee range of motion, and decrease functional limitations associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Researchers will compare two groups one receiving heat therapy with the Otago exercise program and the other receiving contrast therapy with the Otago exercise program to see which approach provides greater improvement in outcomes. Participants will undergo regular supervised sessions that include the assigned thermal therapy and a structured set of Otago exercises targeting lower limb strength, balance, and mobility.

Conditions

Patellofemoral Disorder; Patello Femoral Pain Syndrome; Patello Femoral Syndrome

Keywords

Patellofemoral pain syndrome; Heat Therapy; Contrast Therapy; Otago Exercise Program

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Swelling

  Measured by a inelastic tape (Girth measurement)

  4 Weeks

• Pain Intensity

  Assessed by using the NPRS scale. 0-4 scored as No pain to mild pain 5-7 scored as Moderate pain 8-10 scored as Severe pain

  4 Weeks

• Range Of Motion

  Measured by a universal goniometer.

  4 Weeks

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Functional limtations

  4 Weeks

Study Arms (2)

Experimental Group: Heat therapy with Otago exercises

EXPERIMENTAL

Heat Therapy: * Frequency: 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks * Intensity: Moderate heat * Time: 15 minutes/session * Type: Passive superficial heat via electrical hot pack Otago Exercise Program: * Frequency: 3 sessions/week supervised + daily home exercise for 4 weeks * Intensity: 3 sets of 10 repetitions with weekly progression from Level 1 to Level 3 over 4 weeks * Time: 30 minutes/session * Type: Strengthening and balance exercises for lower limbs Routine Physical Therapy (Medial Patellar Mobilization): * Frequency: 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks * Intensity: Gentle grade I/II mobilization * Time: 3 sets of 10 repetitions * Type: Passive sustained medial glides of patella

Other: Heat therapy+Otago exercise program; Other: Contrast therapy+ Otago exercise program

Active Experimental Group: Contrast therapy with Otago exercises

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Contrast Therapy: * Frequency: 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks * Intensity: Alternating heat and cold * Time: 15 minutes/session (4 min heat + 1 min cold cycles) * Type: Alternating heat and cold using standard electrical hot pack and cold gel pack Otago Exercise Program: * Frequency: 3 sessions/week supervised + daily home exercise for 4 weeks * Intensity: 3 sets of 10 repetitions with weekly progression from Level 1 to Level 3 over 4 weeks * Time: 30 minutes/session * Type: Strengthening and balance exercises for lower limbs Routine Physical Therapy (Medial Patellar Mobilization): * Frequency: 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks * Intensity: Gentle grade I/II mobilization * Time: 3 sets of 10 repetitions * Type: Passive sustained medial glides of patella

Other: Heat therapy+Otago exercise program

Interventions

Contrast therapy+ Otago exercise program OTHER

Contrast therapy (CT), a commonly used thermal treatment, is gaining attention as a non-invasive option for managing knee pain. By alternating between heat and cold, CT helps stimulate circulation, reduce swelling, and ease joint stiffness. While it has shown benefits in other knee conditions, its potential role in treating patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is still not well established.

Experimental Group: Heat therapy with Otago exercises

Heat therapy+Otago exercise program OTHER

Heat therapy is a non-surgical technique being recognized for its application in knee pain management. HT enhances blood flow, alleviates pain, and aids tissue repair. It have been effective in knee osteoarthritis but have yet to be fully explored for the treatment of PFPS.

Also known as: Hot pack, Electrical Hot pack

Active Experimental Group: Contrast therapy with Otago exercises; Experimental Group: Heat therapy with Otago exercises

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 40 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Patients aged 18-40 years experiencing pain in the front of the knee, including the peripatellar or retropatellar areas.
• Patient having pain severity a minimum value of 4-7 on the numeric pain rating scale.
• Participants presenting with anterior knee pain persisting for three months or longer.
• Pre- diagnosed patients with positive patellar compression and Grind tests.
• Patients with lateral patellar tracking.

You may not qualify if:

• Pain having a duration of less than three months or patients with previous knee surgeries.
• Recent engagement in structured lower-limb exercise or rehabilitation interventions.
• Patients with pregnancy, malignancy or any neurological dysfunctions.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences: lead

Study Sites (1)

Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital

Lahore, Punjab Province, 57000, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome; Hyperthermia

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Joint Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Body Temperature Changes; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Heat Stress Disorders; Wounds and Injuries

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 6, 2025
• First Posted: December 19, 2025
• Study Start: December 10, 2025
• Primary Completion: May 10, 2026
• Study Completion: May 12, 2026
• Last Updated: August 27, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: STUDY PROTOCOL, CSR
• Time Frame: 6 months
• Access Criteria: Researcher, Layman,

Locations

PA (1)