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)