Tele-rehabilitation for Recreational Athletes With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

NCT07693634 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: TUF/EIRB/270/26
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 26
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study is a randomized clinical trial designed to evaluate the usability and effectiveness of a tele-rehabilitation program in recreational athletes with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS). A total of 26 participants aged 18-35 years with unilateral PFPS will be randomly allocated into either a conventional physiotherapy group or a tele-rehabilitation group. Both groups will receive the same evidence-based exercise protocol comprising stretching, strengthening, balance, and functional exercises over a four-week period; however, the intervention group will perform the exercises remotely using the Physitrack mobile application with regular virtual supervision and progress monitoring, while the control group will receive face-to-face physiotherapy sessions. Primary outcome measures will include pain intensity assessed by the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), knee range of motion measured using a universal goniometer, and quality of life evaluated using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). The usability and patient satisfaction of the tele-rehabilitation platform will be assessed using the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ). The findings of this study will determine whether tele-rehabilitation is a feasible, user-friendly, and effective alternative to conventional physiotherapy for improving clinical outcomes and rehabilitation accessibility in recreational athletes with PFPS.

Conditions

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Keywords

Anterior Knee Pain; Technology assisted intervention; Physitrack; functional performance; Telehealth Usability Questionnaire; patient-centered digital therapies

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Pain Intensity

  Measured by NPRS ( Numerical Pain Rating Scale)

  Base line and week 4

• Range of Motion

  ROM of Flexion of affected knee by Universal Goniometer

  Baseline and week 4

• Quality of Life in Recreational Athletes

  Quality of Life is assessed through KOOS (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score)

  Baseline and week 4

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Telehealth Usability

  week 4

Study Arms (2)

Conventional Physical Therapy Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants will receive standard face-to-face physiotherapy under the direct supervision of a licensed physiotherapist. It consists of an individualized exercise program including stretching, strengthening, functional, and balance exercises. The physiotherapist will monitor participants' performance, ensure correct exercise execution, provide feedback, and modify the treatment program according to each participant's progress throughout the period.

Other: Conventional Physical Therapy

Tele-rehabilitation Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will receive a structured tele-rehabilitation program delivered through a secure digital platform under the remote supervision of a licensed physiotherapist. The intervention will consist of individualized therapeutic exercises designed to improve pain, knee function, and overall physical performance. Participants will receive exercise instructions, educational guidance, and regular remote follow-up to monitor adherence, provide feedback, and adjust the rehabilitation program based on their progress. This approach enables continuous physiotherapist support and personalized rehabilitation while allowing participants to complete their treatment remotely.

Other: Tele-rehabilitation

Interventions

Conventional Physical Therapy OTHER

Participants will receive supervised face-to-face physiotherapy for 4 weeks (2 sessions/week). The program will include stretching (hamstrings, quadriceps, IT band, gastrocnemius), strengthening exercises (quadriceps and hip muscles), functional exercises (mini-squats, squats, lunges), and balance training (single-leg stance and heel raises). Exercises will be progressed according to participant tolerance under the supervision of a physiotherapist.

Conventional Physical Therapy Group

Tele-rehabilitation OTHER

Participants will receive a 4-week tele-rehabilitation program (2 sessions/week) delivered through the Physitrack® mobile application. The intervention will include the same standardized stretching, strengthening, functional, and balance exercises as the conventional physiotherapy group. Participants will receive individualized exercise prescriptions, instructional videos, automated reminders, and remote monitoring through the application. A physiotherapist will provide weekly telephone or video-call follow-up, monitor adherence, and progress the exercise program based on the participant's performance.

Tele-rehabilitation Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 35 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Recreational athletes
• age between 18 and 35
• Males and females
• Unilateral Anterior knee pain between 3 to 6 on NPRS and retro patellar pain brought on by squatting, knee flexion, climbing, descending stairs, and extended sitting
• At least one month of knee pain
• Positive Apprehension test
• Can access the internet and smart phone
• Kujala questionnaire scale

You may not qualify if:

• Knee meniscus, ligament, and tendon injuries
• Knee effusion
• Dislocation of the patella, subluxation, and fractures
• Recent Surgery or fracture of the affected knee
• Neuromuscular, metabolic, and rheumatologic disorders.
• Who does not sign the consent form?

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Faisalabad: lead

Study Sites (1)

Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Faisalabad

Faisalābad, Punjan, 38000, Pakistan

RECRUITING

Related Publications (1)

• Nilmart P, Vongsirinavarat M, Khawsuwan P, Chumthong K, Tadein R, Komalasari DR. Impact of telehealth-based therapeutic exercise on pain, functional performance and dynamic knee valgus in young adult females with patellofemoral pain: a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2024 Dec 18;10(4):e001939. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2024-001939. eCollection 2024.

  PMID: 39720152 BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Interventions

Telerehabilitation

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Joint Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Rehabilitation; Aftercare; Continuity of Patient Care; Patient Care; Therapeutics; Health Services; Health Care Facilities Workforce and Services; Telemedicine; Delivery of Health Care; Patient Care Management; Health Services Administration

Study Officials

• Dr Muhammad Ateeb Research Associate, PhD Public Health

  Research Associate , The University of Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan

  STUDY CHAIR

Central Study Contacts

Dr. Noreen Kiran Assit Professor

CONTACT

+923451438143; noreenkiran.DPT@tuf.edu.pk

Dr. Muhammad Ateeb Research Associate, PhD Public Health

CONTACT

+923357333383; mateeb.oric@tuf.edu.pk

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: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 3, 2026
• First Posted: July 9, 2026
• Study Start: June 9, 2026
• Primary Completion: August 1, 2026
• Study Completion: August 1, 2026
• Last Updated: July 9, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Locations

PA (1)