Clinical trial NCT06958757: A Study on the Effectiveness of Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion Training in Patients With Patellofemoral Joint Pain.
Official title: This RCT Included 64 Participants (18-30y) With PFP, Ankle Dorsiflexion ROM <10°, and BMI 18.5-28 kg/m². Exclusions: Ankle Fractures, Achilles Rupture, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, Systemic Diseases, or Prior Knee/Ankle Surgeries. Randomized to Two Groups (n=32/Group): Experimental (Standard Exercise + Ankle Dorsiflexion Training) vs Control (Standard Exercise Only) at Matched Intensity/Frequency for 8 Weeks. Outcomes: VAS Pain, Kujala Scale, Ankle Dorsiflexion ROM. Certified Physiotherapists Supervise Sessions. Data Analyzed With SPSS 26.0. The Protocol Complies With the Helsinki Declaration.
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Phase: NA
Conditions: Patellofemoral Pain, PFP
Lead sponsor: Tianjin University of Sport
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2025-05-06
Enrollment: 64
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 18
Maximum age (years): 30
Standard ages: ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: no
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: PARALLEL
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

Brief summary: 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. The study follows international ethical guidelines and has received preliminary ethics approval (No. TJUS-2025-054).


Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* 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 Criteria:

* 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)
* Neurological disorders affecting mobility
* Participation in other lower limb rehabilitation programs within 3 months

Primary outcomes:
measure: Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale
timeFrame: Assess all outcome measures at baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after the completion of the 8-week intervention program (post-intervention).
measure: Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion
timeFrame: Assess all outcome measures at baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after the completion of the 8-week intervention program (post-intervention).
Secondary outcomes:
measure: sEMG co-contraction ratios
timeFrame: All outcome measures (sEMG co-contraction) ratios are assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after completing the 8-week intervention program (post-intervention).
Other outcomes:
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