Patellofemoral Pain SyndromeNCT06598618
Comparison of IASTM and Muscle Energy Technique in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.
A study testing Graston technique+ Conventional PT and Muscle energy technique + Conventional PT in people with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the effect of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and muscle energy technique on iliotibial band tightness on pain, range of motion and functional mobility in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- Graston technique+ Conventional PT and Muscle energy technique + Conventional PT
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 48 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 2 Oct 2024to 28 Sep 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- • Age between 18 and 35 years
- Both Genders.
- Anterior or retro patellar knee pain for at least the past 3 months.
- Knee pain during at least 3 of the following activities: ascending/descending stairs, squatting, hopping/ running, and prolonged sitting.
- Retro patellar pain in patellar grind test (positive clarke's sign).
- A score of at least 3 on the visual analog scale (VAS).
- Positive Ober's test.
Who cannot join
- • Any meniscal or ligament tears of knee.
- Knee osteoarthritis.
- Any previous surgery of lower limb.
- Patellar fracture or fracture of lower extremity.
- Having received knee injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid.
- Osteoporosis of knee joint.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Pakistan Railway hospital
Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, 46600
KINZA ANWAR, MS-OMPT, +92-3239735427, kinza.anwar@riphah.edu.pk
ALEEZAE SHAMIM, MS-OMPT*
About this study
Official title: Compare the Effects of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Muscle Energy Technique on Iliotibial Band Tightness in Patients With Patellofemoral Syndrome.
The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the effect of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and muscle energy technique on iliotibial band tightness on pain, range of motion and functional mobility in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Read the detailed description
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is termed as anterior knee pain and is characterized by peripatellar or retro patellar pain as a result of changes in the physical and biochemical components of the patellofemoral joint due to increased load during activities such as running, squatting, going up and down stairs, cycling and jumping. Patellofemoral syndrome is one of the most common knee conditions seen by clinicians. In active individuals, it may account for 25% to 40% of all knee problems The iliotibial band is a lateral thickening of the fascia which attaches to the tensor fascia lata proximally. Most of the lateral retinaculum (superficial oblique and deep transverse portion) arises from the ITB, therefore the ITB indirectly provides lateral stabilisation and acts as a passive restraint to medial patella glide. A tight ITB could theoretically lead to lateral patella tracking, lateral patella tilt and lateral patella compression. Several authors have suggested that tightness in the iliotibial band may contribute to patellofemoral syndrome and knee pain by pulling the patella laterally, thereby causing abnormal tracking of the patella in the trochlear groove.
The Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) technique is the most frequent soft tissue mobilization techniques. It involves the use of a tool that causes mechanical micro-traumatic injury to the treated area. As a result, an inflammatory reaction is elicited, speeding up the healing process and restoring the flexibility and integrity of the tissue and cartilage healing. The therapeutic effects of this approach appear to include decreasing tissue adhesion, enhancing the number of fibroblasts, and stimulating collagen synthesis.
Muscle energy technique is a soft tissue technique designed to improve musculoskeletal function through stretching tight muscles and fascia, to reduce pain and improve circulation. MET is characterized by a patient-induced skeletal muscle contraction against physiotherapist resistance in a controlled direction and position. The pathological barrier of a muscle is located through joint positioning which is followed by active muscle contraction by the patient moving away from the resistance followed by relaxation of the muscle. A new pathological barrier is located through passive movement and the process is repeated.
The rationale for the use of these techniques is to compare the effects of IASTM and MET of iliotibial band tightness in improving pain, range of motion and functional mobility in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.
- Conditions
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- Being tested
- Graston technique+ Conventional PT, Muscle energy technique + Conventional PT
- Keywords
- IASTM, MET, iliotibial band, patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Medical subject headings
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Graston technique+ Conventional PTOther
IASTM technique (graston technique) on iliotibial band. Frequency 2 sessions of stroking with 20 seconds rest in between 3 times/week for 3 consecutive weeks Intensity as tolerated by patient. Conventional PT including 1- Therapeutic ultrasound at frequency of 3.5 MHZ for 10 minutes. 2- Stretching exercise of hamstrings. 3-Isometric exercises of Quadriceps
Muscle energy technique + Conventional PTOther
Muscle energy technique (post facilitation stretch) on iliotibial band. Frequency 10 repetitions 3 times/week for 3 consecutive weeks Intensity starting from 50 percent resistance across barrier provided by physiotherapist.. Conventional PT including 1- Therapeutic ultrasound at frequency of 3.5 MHZ for 10 minutes. 2- Stretching exercise of hamstrings. 3-Isometric exercises of Quadriceps.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Graston technique+ Conventional PT | Active comparator | Not described Receives: Other: Graston technique+ Conventional PT |
| Muscle energy technique + Conventional PT | Other | Not described Receives: Other: Muscle energy technique + Conventional PT |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Visual analogue scale (VAS)
The VAS is a reliable, valid, responsive, and frequently used pain outcome measure. It consists of a bidirectional 10 cm straight line with two labels, that is, "no pain" and "worst possible pain", located at either end of the line.
VAS consists of a bidirectional 10 cm straight line with two labels, that is, "no pain" and "worst possible pain", located at either end of the line. Patients are instructed to draw a vertical mark on the line indicating their pain level.
Measured: 3 weeks
Goniometer
A goniometer is an instrument that measures the available range of motion at a joint.
Measured: 3 weeks
Kujala questionnaire
The Kujala AKPS is a 13-item screening instrument designed to assess Patellofemoral pain in adolescents and young adults. The total score of the questionnaire is equal to 100, which shows the maximum function of the knee joint.
Measured: 3 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted19 Sep 2024
- Study start2 Oct 2024
- Primary completion25 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion28 Sep 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Patellofemoral Pain SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- KINZA ANWAR, MS-OMPT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06598618
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/01872 Aleezae Shamim
- Status last verified
- Feb 2025
- First submitted
- 12 Sep 2024
- Last updated
- 21 Feb 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 21 Feb 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Compare the Effects of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Muscle Energy Technique on Iliotibial Band Tightness in Patients With Patellofemoral Syndrome.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06598618
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/01872 Aleezae Shamim
- Conditions
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- Keywords
- IASTM, MET, iliotibial band, patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 2 Oct 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 25 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 28 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 19 Sep 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the effect of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and muscle energy technique on iliotibial band tightness on pain, range of motion and functional mobility in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Detailed description
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is termed as anterior knee pain and is characterized by peripatellar or retro patellar pain as a result of changes in the physical and biochemical components of the patellofemoral joint due to increased load during activities such as running, squatting, going up and down stairs, cycling and jumping. Patellofemoral syndrome is one of the most common knee conditions seen by clinicians. In active individuals, it may account for 25% to 40% of all knee problems The iliotibial band is a lateral thickening of the fascia which attaches to the tensor fascia lata proximally. Most of the lateral retinaculum (superficial oblique and deep transverse portion) arises from the ITB, therefore the ITB indirectly provides lateral stabilisation and acts as a passive restraint to medial patella glide. A tight ITB could theoretically lead to lateral patella tracking, lateral patella tilt and lateral patella compression. Several authors have suggested that tightness in the iliotibial band may contribute to patellofemoral syndrome and knee pain by pulling the patella laterally, thereby causing abnormal tracking of the patella in the trochlear groove.
The Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) technique is the most frequent soft tissue mobilization techniques. It involves the use of a tool that causes mechanical micro-traumatic injury to the treated area. As a result, an inflammatory reaction is elicited, speeding up the healing process and restoring the flexibility and integrity of the tissue and cartilage healing. The therapeutic effects of this approach appear to include decreasing tissue adhesion, enhancing the number of fibroblasts, and stimulating collagen synthesis.
Muscle energy technique is a soft tissue technique designed to improve musculoskeletal function through stretching tight muscles and fascia, to reduce pain and improve circulation. MET is characterized by a patient-induced skeletal muscle contraction against physiotherapist resistance in a controlled direction and position. The pathological barrier of a muscle is located through joint positioning which is followed by active muscle contraction by the patient moving away from the resistance followed by relaxation of the muscle. A new pathological barrier is located through passive movement and the process is repeated.
The rationale for the use of these techniques is to compare the effects of IASTM and MET of iliotibial band tightness in improving pain, range of motion and functional mobility in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Graston technique+ Conventional PT | Active comparator | Other: Graston technique+ Conventional PT |
| Muscle energy technique + Conventional PT | Other | Other: Muscle energy technique + Conventional PT |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- • Age between 18 and 35 years
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- • Any meniscal or ligament tears of knee.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Graston technique+ Conventional PTIASTM technique (graston technique) on iliotibial band. Frequency 2 sessions of stroking with 20 seconds rest in between 3 times/week for 3 consecutive weeks Intensity as tolerated by patient. Conventional PT including 1- Therapeutic ultrasound at frequency of 3.5 MHZ for 10 minutes. 2- Stretching exercise of hamstrings. 3-Isometric exercises of Quadriceps | Other | Graston technique+ Conventional PT |
| Muscle energy technique + Conventional PTMuscle energy technique (post facilitation stretch) on iliotibial band. Frequency 10 repetitions 3 times/week for 3 consecutive weeks Intensity starting from 50 percent resistance across barrier provided by physiotherapist.. Conventional PT including 1- Therapeutic ultrasound at frequency of 3.5 MHZ for 10 minutes. 2- Stretching exercise of hamstrings. 3-Isometric exercises of Quadriceps. | Other | Muscle energy technique + Conventional PT |
Primary outcome
Visual analogue scale (VAS)
Time frame: 3 weeks
The VAS is a reliable, valid, responsive, and frequently used pain outcome measure. It consists of a bidirectional 10 cm straight line with two labels, that is, "no pain" and "worst possible pain", located at either end of the line. VAS consists of a bidirectional 10 cm straight line with two labels, that is, "no pain" and "worst possible pain", located at either end of the line. Patients are instructed to draw a vertical mark on the line indicating their pain level.
Goniometer
Time frame: 3 weeks
A goniometer is an instrument that measures the available range of motion at a joint.
Kujala questionnaire
Time frame: 3 weeks
The Kujala AKPS is a 13-item screening instrument designed to assess Patellofemoral pain in adolescents and young adults. The total score of the questionnaire is equal to 100, which shows the maximum function of the knee joint.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 21 Feb 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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MRI Study of Musculoskeletal Function
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Comparison of High-Intensity and Conventional Physical Therapy in Musculoskeletal Disorders
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Stabilization vs Corrective Exercise in PFP
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
KINZA ANWAR, MS-OMPT principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Graston technique+ Conventional PT and Muscle energy technique + Conventional PT in people with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Feb 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact KINZA ANWAR, MS-OMPT (+92-3239735427, kinza.anwar@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Visual analogue scale (VAS) (time frame: 3 weeks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 21 Feb 2025.