RecruitingNot Applicable

Tele-rehabilitation for Recreational Athletes With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Pakistan26 participantsStarted 2026-06-09

Plain-language 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.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 35 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * 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 Exclusion Criteria: * 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?

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Pain Intensity

Timeframe: Base line and week 4

Range of Motion

Timeframe: Baseline and week 4

Quality of Life in Recreational Athletes

Timeframe: Baseline and week 4

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07693634

SponsorUniversity of Faisalabad

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-08

Contact for this trial

Dr. Noreen Kiran Assit Professor

+923451438143 noreenkiran.DPT@tuf.edu.pk

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome trials