Home-Based Functional Exercise Program in Patients With Patellar Femoral Syndrome Over a 10-Week Period

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to determine if a 10 week exercise rehabilitation program decreases anterior knee oain (PFPS) and improves function in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Individuals (age 18-50) with PFPS will be recruited to participate in this study to see if a 10 week exercise program focusing in core and hip strengthening, lower extremity strengthening foot intrinsic strengthening can decrease pain and increase function.

Detailed Description
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Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a very prevalent condition that presents in great number to patients in physician's offices and has a high recurrence rate. Physical therapy and exercise therapy to strengthen the quadriceps is often prescribed, however recurrence is common. It is hypothesized that PFPS patients have core weakness, hip strength abnormalities and neuromuscular control deficits.

Official Title
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Clinical Efficacy of A Home-Based Functional Exercise Program in Patients With Patellar Femoral Syndrome Over a 10-Week Period

Conditions
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Patellar Femoral Syndrome

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: 10 Week Exercise Program
* Behavioral: DVD Program After 10 Weeks


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Individuals wishing to participate in study voluntarily Subjects diagnosed with patella-femoral syndrome. We will ascertain this by asking a few questions, which will not be recorded as they have not been enrolled in the study yet. Capable of following and completing a 10 week home exercise program Exclusion Criteria: Individuals with prior knee surgery, tibial plateau fractures, known diagnosis of knee injuries such as meniscus or ligaments tears. Individuals unable to participate, i.e. cognitive deficits, weakness or functional deficits to upper extremities. Individuals unable to tolerate exercise program

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 50 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Home Exercises<br>Patients will be given a set of home exercises to perform as part of their rehabilitation home exercise program. They will be initially trained by a research team member and will be given a DVD home exercise video with instructions on how to perform the exercises. | Behavioral: 10 Week Exercise Program<br>* Subjects will complete a 10 week exercise program using DVD with instructions provided. Participants will have to do one session of exercise on 5 different days each week for a total of 5 sessions per week, for 10 weeks.<br>|
| Active Comparator: DVD Program<br>Weeks 1-10, subjects will not be prescribed exercise at home. If the DVD program shows to help participants in Group 1, the program and DVD will be provided to Group 2 participants | Behavioral: DVD Program After 10 Weeks<br>* If the DVD program shows to help participants in Group 1, the program and DVD will be provided to Group 2 participants<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Kujala Scale for Anterior Knee Pain | 13 item knee specific self report questionnaire that documents response to six activities thought to be associated specifically with anterior knee pain syndrome (walking, running, jumping, climbing stairs, squatting and sitting for prolonged periods with knees bent, as well as symptoms such as limp, inability to weight bear through affected the affected limb, swelling, abnormal patellar movement, muscle atrophy and limitation of knee flexion. The maximum score is 100 and lower scores indicate greater pain/disability. | 10 Weeks |