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NCT06958757

A Study on the Effectiveness of Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion Training in Patients With Patellofemoral Joint Pain.

Not Yet Recruiting · Not Applicable · Tianjin University of Sport · registry updated 2025-05-06

Inclusion and exclusion lines below are quoted from ClinicalTrials.gov. No match score is shown, because a score needs a person's age, biomarkers, and treatment dates. Confirm the record with the study team.

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....

Inclusion

  • 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)

Exclusion

  • Ankle fractures
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Gout, or systemic diseases
  • Prior knee/ankle surgeries
  • Concurrent lower limb injuries (e.g., ligament tears, meniscal pathology)

Open NCT06958757 on ClinicalTrials.govAll conditions

A Study on the Effectiveness of Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion Training in Patients With Patellofemoral Joint Pain. | Clinical Trial Matcher