Patellofemoral Pain SyndromeNCT07465380
Stabilization vs Corrective Exercise in PFP
A study testing Functional Stabilization Training (FST) and Comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program (CCEP) in people with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, run by Ahram Canadian University.
Trial summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a Functional Stabilization training program (FST) and a comprehensive corrective exercise program in PF pain and DKV. 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?
- Functional Stabilization Training (FST) and Comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program (CCEP)
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 1 Apr 2026to Apr 2027
- 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
- Patellofemoral pain lasting > 6 weeks
- Demonstrates dynamic knee valgus during single-leg squat (FPPA ≥ 10°).
- Arabic Kujala Patellofemoral Scale (KPS) score < 80.
- Age 18-35 years
Who cannot join
- Previous knee surgery; ligament/meniscus injury; or lower-limb fractures
- Neurologic disorders.
- Systemic inflammatory disease
- Pregnancy.
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Enas Fawzy, PhD contact
About this study
Official title: Functional Stabilization Training VS Comprehensive Corrective Exercises on Lower Limb Kinematics in Patellofemoral Pain and Dynamic Knee Valgus
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a Functional Stabilization training program (FST) and a comprehensive corrective exercise program in PF pain and DKV.
Read the detailed description
PF pain impairs performance and quality of life and can predispose individuals to early PF osteoarthritis and Dynamic knee valgus has been identified as a modifiable risk factor for PF pain and serious knee injury .
Current rehabilitation strategies show mixed results. Solo hip strengthening programs may not correct Dynamic knee valgus. While both Functional Stabilization training (FST) and comprehensive corrective programs (CCEP) show potential benefits, direct comparisons are lacking. The FST suggested superior outcomes with functional training, but it did not specifically target DKV. Conversely, the CCEP demonstrated kinematic improvements, but included asymptomatic participants and lacked patient reported outcomes.
By directly comparing Functional Stabilization training (FST) with the CCEP, this study aims to provide clinicians with evidence based guidance on the most effective exercise strategy for improving lower limb kinematics and reducing pain. The findings could inform best practice guidelines and enhance outcomes.
- Conditions
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- Being tested
- Standard Care Exercise Program (SC), Functional Stabilization Training (FST), Comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program (CCEP)
- Keywords
- Exercise Therapy, Genu Valgum
- Medical subject headings
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Genu Valgum
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Standard Care Exercise Program (SC)Behavioural
Supervised standard care exercise therapy for patellofemoral pain, delivered 3 sessions/week for 8 weeks (24 sessions), ~45-60 minutes/session.
Functional Stabilization Training (FST)Behavioural
Also called Neuromuscular training
Supervised functional stabilization/neuromuscular exercise program focusing on lower-limb alignment and movement control. 3 sessions/week for 8 weeks (24 sessions), ~45-60 minutes/session, progressive difficulty/load
Comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program (CCEP)Behavioural
Supervised comprehensive corrective exercise program targeting flexibility, strength, and neuromuscular control across the kinetic chain to address dynamic knee valgus. 3 sessions/week for 8 weeks (24 sessions), ~45-60 minutes/session, phase-based progression
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Care (SC) | Active comparator | Standard care exercise program for patellofemoral pain. Participants receive 24 supervised sessions (3 sessions/week for 8 weeks), ~45-60 minutes/session." (If you want 1 extra line: "Exercises follow a conventional PFP program based on Baldon et al.") Receives: Behavioral: Standard Care Exercise Program (SC) |
| Functional Stabilization Training (FST) | Experimental | Functional stabilization/neuromuscular training to optimize movement patterns and dynamic alignment. 24 supervised sessions (3/week for 8 weeks), ~45-60 minutes/session. Includes warm-up/cool-down (~15 min) and ~45 min exercises. Intensity/progression increases every 2 weeks; exercises progress from ~2 sets (10-20 reps) with ~5-sec isometric holds to ~3 sets of ~12 reps with ~10-sec holds and added external load (weights/elastic resistance) Receives: Behavioral: Functional Stabilization Training (FST) |
| Comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program (CCEP) | Experimental | Comprehensive corrective exercise program targeting strength, flexibility, neuromuscular control, and alignment across the kinetic chain for dynamic knee valgus. 24 supervised sessions (3/week for 8 weeks), ~45-60 minutes/session. Three phases: weeks 1-2 sensorimotor/non-weight-bearing alignment + feedback + isometrics; weeks 3-6 progressive weight-bearing with increased load/complexity and emphasis on co-contraction/reciprocal activation; weeks 7-8 functional tasks to maintain gains and challenge multi-planar control. Visual/verbal/tactile feedback provided; progression only with correct technique Receives: Behavioral: Comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program (CCEP) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Peak Knee Abduction (Valgus) Angle (3D motion analysis)
Change in peak knee abduction (valgus) angle of the stance limb measured using a 3D motion capture system (Vicon) during functional tasks (single-leg squat and drop/vertical jump landing). Lower values indicate reduced dynamic knee valgus.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks
Hip and Pelvis Kinematics (3D motion analysis)
Change in peak hip adduction, peak hip internal rotation, contralateral pelvic drop, and trunk lateral lean during the functional tasks measured by 3D motion capture.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks
Secondary outcomes (1)
Kujala Patellofemoral Scale (KPS)
Change in patient-reported knee function using the Arabic Kujala Patellofemoral Scale (0-100)
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted11 Mar 2026
- Study start1 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionApr 2027 (estimated)
- Study completionApr 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (4)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Patellofemoral Pain SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ahram Canadian University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ahmed Salah Eldin Alsayed Mohamed Ali Alshab, Ahram Canadian University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07465380
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- FSTvsCCEP in PFP and DKV
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 7 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 11 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
Sahabuddin FNA, Jamaludin NI, Amir NH, Shaharudin S. The effects of hip- and ankle-focused exercise intervention on dynamic knee valgus: a systematic review. PeerJ. 2021 Jul 5;9:e11731. doi: 10.7717/peerj.11731. eCollection 2021.
PubMed 34268014Rabelo NDDA, Costa LOP, Lima BM, Dos Reis AC, Bley AS, Fukuda TY, Lucareli PRG. Adding motor control training to muscle strengthening did not substantially improve the effects on clinical or kinematic outcomes in women with patellofemoral pain: A randomised controlled trial. Gait Posture. 2017 Oct;58:280-286. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2017.08.018. Epub 2017 Aug 18.
PubMed 28841508Emamvirdi M, Letafatkar A, Khaleghi Tazji M. The Effect of Valgus Control Instruction Exercises on Pain, Strength, and Functionality in Active Females With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. Sports Health. 2019 May/Jun;11(3):223-237. doi: 10.1177/1941738119837622. Epub 2019 Apr 29.
PubMed 31034336Baldon Rde M, Serrao FV, Scattone Silva R, Piva SR. Effects of functional stabilization training on pain, function, and lower extremity biomechanics in women with patellofemoral pain: a randomized clinical trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2014 Apr;44(4):240-251, A1-A8. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2014.4940. Epub 2014 Feb 25.
PubMed 24568258
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 11 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Functional Stabilization Training VS Comprehensive Corrective Exercises on Lower Limb Kinematics in Patellofemoral Pain and Dynamic Knee Valgus
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07465380
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- FSTvsCCEP in PFP and DKV
- Conditions
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- Keywords
- Exercise Therapy, Genu Valgum
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Ahram Canadian UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Apr 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Apr 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 11 Mar 2026 (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 purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a Functional Stabilization training program (FST) and a comprehensive corrective exercise program in PF pain and DKV.
Detailed description
PF pain impairs performance and quality of life and can predispose individuals to early PF osteoarthritis and Dynamic knee valgus has been identified as a modifiable risk factor for PF pain and serious knee injury .
Current rehabilitation strategies show mixed results. Solo hip strengthening programs may not correct Dynamic knee valgus. While both Functional Stabilization training (FST) and comprehensive corrective programs (CCEP) show potential benefits, direct comparisons are lacking. The FST suggested superior outcomes with functional training, but it did not specifically target DKV. Conversely, the CCEP demonstrated kinematic improvements, but included asymptomatic participants and lacked patient reported outcomes.
By directly comparing Functional Stabilization training (FST) with the CCEP, this study aims to provide clinicians with evidence based guidance on the most effective exercise strategy for improving lower limb kinematics and reducing pain. The findings could inform best practice guidelines and enhance outcomes.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Care (SC) | Active comparator | Behavioral: Standard Care Exercise Program (SC)Standard care exercise program for patellofemoral pain. Participants receive 24 supervised sessions (3 sessions/week for 8 weeks), ~45-60 minutes/session." (If you want 1 extra line: "Exercises follow a conventional PFP program based on Baldon et al.") |
| Functional Stabilization Training (FST) | Experimental | Behavioral: Functional Stabilization Training (FST)Functional stabilization/neuromuscular training to optimize movement patterns and dynamic alignment. 24 supervised sessions (3/week for 8 weeks), ~45-60 minutes/session. Includes warm-up/cool-down (~15 min) and ~45 min exercises. Intensity/progression increases every 2 weeks; exercises progress from ~2 sets (10-20 reps) with ~5-sec isometric holds to ~3 sets of ~12 reps with ~10-sec holds and added external load (weights/elastic resistance) |
| Comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program (CCEP) | Experimental | Behavioral: Comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program (CCEP)Comprehensive corrective exercise program targeting strength, flexibility, neuromuscular control, and alignment across the kinetic chain for dynamic knee valgus. 24 supervised sessions (3/week for 8 weeks), ~45-60 minutes/session. Three phases: weeks 1-2 sensorimotor/non-weight-bearing alignment + feedback + isometrics; weeks 3-6 progressive weight-bearing with increased load/complexity and emphasis on co-contraction/reciprocal activation; weeks 7-8 functional tasks to maintain gains and challenge multi-planar control. Visual/verbal/tactile feedback provided; progression only with correct technique |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Patellofemoral pain lasting > 6 weeks
- Demonstrates dynamic knee valgus during single-leg squat (FPPA ≥ 10°).
- Arabic Kujala Patellofemoral Scale (KPS) score < 80.
- Age 18-35 years
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Previous knee surgery; ligament/meniscus injury; or lower-limb fractures
- Neurologic disorders.
- Systemic inflammatory disease
- Pregnancy.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Care Exercise Program (SC)Supervised standard care exercise therapy for patellofemoral pain, delivered 3 sessions/week for 8 weeks (24 sessions), ~45-60 minutes/session. | Behavioural | Standard Care (SC) |
| Functional Stabilization Training (FST)Also: Neuromuscular trainingSupervised functional stabilization/neuromuscular exercise program focusing on lower-limb alignment and movement control. 3 sessions/week for 8 weeks (24 sessions), ~45-60 minutes/session, progressive difficulty/load | Behavioural | Functional Stabilization Training (FST) |
| Comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program (CCEP)Supervised comprehensive corrective exercise program targeting flexibility, strength, and neuromuscular control across the kinetic chain to address dynamic knee valgus. 3 sessions/week for 8 weeks (24 sessions), ~45-60 minutes/session, phase-based progression | Behavioural | Comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program (CCEP) |
Primary outcome
Peak Knee Abduction (Valgus) Angle (3D motion analysis)
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
Change in peak knee abduction (valgus) angle of the stance limb measured using a 3D motion capture system (Vicon) during functional tasks (single-leg squat and drop/vertical jump landing). Lower values indicate reduced dynamic knee valgus.
Hip and Pelvis Kinematics (3D motion analysis)
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
Change in peak hip adduction, peak hip internal rotation, contralateral pelvic drop, and trunk lateral lean during the functional tasks measured by 3D motion capture.
1 secondary outcome
Kujala Patellofemoral Scale (KPS)
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
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 11 Mar 2026.
- Background: PubMed 34268014Sahabuddin FNA, Jamaludin NI, Amir NH, Shaharudin S. The effects of hip- and ankle-focused exercise intervention on dynamic knee valgus: a systematic review. PeerJ. 2021 Jul 5;9:e11731. doi: 10.7717/peerj.11731. eCollection 2021.
- Background: PubMed 28841508Rabelo NDDA, Costa LOP, Lima BM, Dos Reis AC, Bley AS, Fukuda TY, Lucareli PRG. Adding motor control training to muscle strengthening did not substantially improve the effects on clinical or kinematic outcomes in women with patellofemoral pain: A randomised controlled trial. Gait Posture. 2017 Oct;58:280-286. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2017.08.018. Epub 2017 Aug 18.
- Background: PubMed 31034336Emamvirdi M, Letafatkar A, Khaleghi Tazji M. The Effect of Valgus Control Instruction Exercises on Pain, Strength, and Functionality in Active Females With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. Sports Health. 2019 May/Jun;11(3):223-237. doi: 10.1177/1941738119837622. Epub 2019 Apr 29.
- Background: PubMed 24568258Baldon Rde M, Serrao FV, Scattone Silva R, Piva SR. Effects of functional stabilization training on pain, function, and lower extremity biomechanics in women with patellofemoral pain: a randomized clinical trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2014 Apr;44(4):240-251, A1-A8. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2014.4940. Epub 2014 Feb 25.
- Dynamic knee valgus kinematics and their relationship to pain in women with patellofemoral pain compared to women with chronic hip joint painLink provided by the sponsor.
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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.
Enas Fawzy, PhD contact
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Functional Stabilization Training (FST) and Comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program (CCEP) in people with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, run by Ahram Canadian University.
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 4 inclusion and 4 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 11 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
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 Ahmed Alshab, PhD Cand (+201008816911, ahmed.s.alshabb@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Peak Knee Abduction (Valgus) Angle (3D motion analysis) (time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07465380, which also lists 4 linked publications.
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 11 Mar 2026.