Patellofemoral Pain SyndromeNCT07703072
Effect of Short Foot Exercise Combined With Focused Hip and Knee Exercises on Pain, Q Angle and Functional Outcomes in Female Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
A study testing Short foot exercise + Hip and Knee Strengthening exercise and Hip and Knee Strengthening Exercises in people with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of short foot exercises combined with focused hip and knee strengthening on pain, Q-angle, and functional outcomes in female patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 45 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- Short foot exercise + Hip and Knee Strengthening exercise and Hip and Knee Strengthening Exercises
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 38 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 18 Jul 2026to 15 Nov 2026
- 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 45 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Diagnosed cases of patellofemoral pain syndrome confirmed by this protocol.
- Females aged 18-45 years
- Anterior or retro patellar knee pain lasting ≥ 6 weeks
- Pain provoked by at least one PFJ-loading task, including:
- squatting,
- stair climbing/descending,
Show all 13Show fewer
- running,
- prolonged sitting with knees flexed
- Pain elicited by at least two of four clinical tests;
- Pain during isometric quadriceps contraction at 20-30° knee flexion
- Pain on palpation of the patellofemoral joint line
- Pain during patellar compression
- Pain during active resisted knee extension
Who cannot join
- History of patellar instability, including subluxation or dislocation 2. Evidence of tibiofemoral pathology, such as: Ligamentous injuries, meniscal tears, and symptomatic knee effusion.
- 3. Previous knee surgery within the last 12 months 4. Radiographic or clinical knee osteoarthritis. 5. Neurological disorders or systemic inflammatory diseases that may influence gait or pain perception.
- -
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
NUR FMH System
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000
Muhammad Shahzad, MSPT, +923028350237, muhammad.shahzad.qadree@niu.edu.pk
Hira Nadeem, MSPT, +923094229283
About this study
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of short foot exercises combined with focused hip and knee strengthening on pain, Q-angle, and functional outcomes in female patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Thirty-eight participants aged 18-45 years will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group (short foot + hip and knee exercises) or a control group (hip and knee exercises only) for a 6-week supervised rehabilitation program.
Read the detailed description
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by anterior knee pain, particularly prevalent among females due to anatomical and biomechanical factors. Although conventional rehabilitation focuses on hip and quadriceps strengthening, persistent symptoms suggest the involvement of distal biomechanical contributors such as foot pronation and intrinsic foot muscle weakness.
Short Foot Exercise (SFE) targets intrinsic foot musculature, improves medial longitudinal arch stability, and enhances neuromuscular control. This study investigates whether combining SFE with hip and knee strengthening provides superior outcomes compared to conventional rehabilitation alone.
This study is a two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial including 38 female participants aged 18-45 years diagnosed with PFPS. Participants will be randomly allocated into experimental and control groups using a computer-generated sequence with allocation concealment. The intervention will be conducted over 6 weeks, with three supervised sessions per week.
The experimental group will receive short foot exercises along with hip and knee strengthening, while the control group will receive hip and knee strengthening only. Outcome measures including pain (VAS), functional status (Kujala AKPS), and Q-angle will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention.
The study aims to determine whether a combined proximal-distal rehabilitation approach leads to better improvements in pain, alignment, and functional outcomes.
- Conditions
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- Being tested
- Short foot exercise + Hip and Knee Strengthening exercise, Hip and Knee Strengthening Exercises
- 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.
Short foot exercise + Hip and Knee Strengthening exerciseOther
Short Foot Exercises (SFE) Structured intrinsic foot muscle training involving medial longitudinal arch elevation without toe flexion, progressing from seated to standing and functional positions.
Hip and Knee Strengthening Exercises Progressive strengthening program targeting hip abductors, external rotators, and quadriceps muscles through functional and resistance-based exercises.
Hip and Knee Strengthening ExercisesOther
Hip and Knee Strengthening Exercises alone Progressive strengthening program focusing on hip abductors, external rotators, and quadriceps muscles, including both non-weight-bearing and functional weight-bearing exercises.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| (Short Foot + Hip and Knee Exercises) | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive a combined rehabilitation program consisting of short foot exercises (SFE) along with focused hip and knee strengthening exercises. The intervention aims to address both distal (foot) and proximal (hip and knee) biomechanical factors contributing to patellofemoral pain syndrome. The program will be supervised, conducted three times per week for 6 weeks, with progressive advancement from non-weight-bearing to functional weight-bearing activities. Receives: Other: Short foot exercise + Hip and Knee Strengthening exercise |
| (Hip and Knee Exercises Only) | Active comparator | Participants in this group will receive a conventional rehabilitation program consisting of focused hip and knee strengthening exercises only. This program targets proximal muscle groups responsible for patellofemoral joint stability and function. The intervention will be supervised, conducted three times per week for 6 weeks, and matched in duration and intensity to the experimental group. Receives: Other: Hip and Knee Strengthening Exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Kujala Anterior knee pain scale (AKPS)
The Kujala AKPS is a 13-item questionnaire specifically designed to evaluate symptoms and functional limitations associated with patellofemoral disorders. It assesses domains such as limping, walking, running, stair climbing, squatting, sitting, swelling, and pain. Total scores range from 0 to 100. Scores ranging 90-100 indicating better knee function while score range from 0-50 shows significant pain and functional impairment.
Measured: Baseline measurement and after 6 weeks intervention
Visual Analogue Scale
The Visual Analogue Scale is a 10-cm line used to assess the intensity of pain. Participants mark a point on the line that represents their current level of pain, ranging from 0 = no pain to 10 = worst possible pain. The distance in centimeters is measured to quantify pain severity.
Measured: Baseline measurement and after 6 weeks intervention
Secondary outcomes (1)
Q angle
The Q-angle represents the quadriceps pull angle, measured using a universal goniometer by aligning landmarks at the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), center of patella, and tibial tuberosity. Patient lies in a supine relaxed position with knee extended. Fulcrum of goniometer is placed directly over the center of patella and stationary arm is aligned with the line connecting ASIS to midpoint of patella while the moving arm is aligned with the line connecting tibial tuberosity to the midpoint of patella. It provides insight into lower-limb alignment and patellar tracking mechanics. Normal Q angle measurement in females ranges from 13-19 degrees. Altered or increased Q-angles have been associated with PFPS and patellar maltracking.
Measured: Baseline measurement and after 6 weeks intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted14 Jul 2026
- Study start18 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion30 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion15 Nov 2026 (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 Lahore University of Biological and Applied SciencesThe 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
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 38 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Shoaib Waqas, PHD PT, Study chair, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07703072
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- UBAS/ERB/26/04/032
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 9 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 14 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- 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 14 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Short Foot Exercise Combined With Focused Hip and Knee Exercises on Pain, Q Angle and Functional Outcomes in Female Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07703072
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- UBAS/ERB/26/04/032
- Conditions
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 38 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Lahore University of Biological and Applied SciencesUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 18 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 30 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 14 Jul 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.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of short foot exercises combined with focused hip and knee strengthening on pain, Q-angle, and functional outcomes in female patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Thirty-eight participants aged 18-45 years will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group (short foot + hip and knee exercises) or a control group (hip and knee exercises only) for a 6-week supervised rehabilitation program.
Detailed description
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by anterior knee pain, particularly prevalent among females due to anatomical and biomechanical factors. Although conventional rehabilitation focuses on hip and quadriceps strengthening, persistent symptoms suggest the involvement of distal biomechanical contributors such as foot pronation and intrinsic foot muscle weakness.
Short Foot Exercise (SFE) targets intrinsic foot musculature, improves medial longitudinal arch stability, and enhances neuromuscular control. This study investigates whether combining SFE with hip and knee strengthening provides superior outcomes compared to conventional rehabilitation alone.
This study is a two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial including 38 female participants aged 18-45 years diagnosed with PFPS. Participants will be randomly allocated into experimental and control groups using a computer-generated sequence with allocation concealment. The intervention will be conducted over 6 weeks, with three supervised sessions per week.
The experimental group will receive short foot exercises along with hip and knee strengthening, while the control group will receive hip and knee strengthening only. Outcome measures including pain (VAS), functional status (Kujala AKPS), and Q-angle will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention.
The study aims to determine whether a combined proximal-distal rehabilitation approach leads to better improvements in pain, alignment, and functional outcomes.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| (Short Foot + Hip and Knee Exercises) | Experimental | Other: Short foot exercise + Hip and Knee Strengthening exerciseParticipants in this group will receive a combined rehabilitation program consisting of short foot exercises (SFE) along with focused hip and knee strengthening exercises. The intervention aims to address both distal (foot) and proximal (hip and knee) biomechanical factors contributing to patellofemoral pain syndrome. The program will be supervised, conducted three times per week for 6 weeks, with progressive advancement from non-weight-bearing to functional weight-bearing activities. |
| (Hip and Knee Exercises Only) | Active comparator | Other: Hip and Knee Strengthening ExercisesParticipants in this group will receive a conventional rehabilitation program consisting of focused hip and knee strengthening exercises only. This program targets proximal muscle groups responsible for patellofemoral joint stability and function. The intervention will be supervised, conducted three times per week for 6 weeks, and matched in duration and intensity to the experimental group. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 45 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (13 listed)
- Diagnosed cases of patellofemoral pain syndrome confirmed by this protocol.
- Females aged 18-45 years
- Anterior or retro patellar knee pain lasting ≥ 6 weeks
- Pain provoked by at least one PFJ-loading task, including:
- Pain elicited by at least two of four clinical tests;
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- History of patellar instability, including subluxation or dislocation 2. Evidence of tibiofemoral pathology, such as: Ligamentous injuries, meniscal tears, and symptomatic knee effusion.
- 3. Previous knee surgery within the last 12 months 4. Radiographic or clinical knee osteoarthritis. 5. Neurological disorders or systemic inflammatory diseases that may influence gait or pain perception.
- -
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Short foot exercise + Hip and Knee Strengthening exerciseShort Foot Exercises (SFE) Structured intrinsic foot muscle training involving medial longitudinal arch elevation without toe flexion, progressing from seated to standing and functional positions. Hip and Knee Strengthening Exercises Progressive strengthening program targeting hip abductors, external rotators, and quadriceps muscles through functional and resistance-based exercises. | Other | (Short Foot + Hip and Knee Exercises) |
| Hip and Knee Strengthening ExercisesHip and Knee Strengthening Exercises alone Progressive strengthening program focusing on hip abductors, external rotators, and quadriceps muscles, including both non-weight-bearing and functional weight-bearing exercises. | Other | (Hip and Knee Exercises Only) |
Primary outcome
Kujala Anterior knee pain scale (AKPS)
Time frame: Baseline measurement and after 6 weeks intervention
The Kujala AKPS is a 13-item questionnaire specifically designed to evaluate symptoms and functional limitations associated with patellofemoral disorders. It assesses domains such as limping, walking, running, stair climbing, squatting, sitting, swelling, and pain. Total scores range from 0 to 100. Scores ranging 90-100 indicating better knee function while score range from 0-50 shows significant pain and functional impairment.
Visual Analogue Scale
Time frame: Baseline measurement and after 6 weeks intervention
The Visual Analogue Scale is a 10-cm line used to assess the intensity of pain. Participants mark a point on the line that represents their current level of pain, ranging from 0 = no pain to 10 = worst possible pain. The distance in centimeters is measured to quantify pain severity.
1 secondary outcome
Q angle
Time frame: Baseline measurement and after 6 weeks intervention
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 14 Jul 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
Shoaib Waqas, PHD PT study chair
Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Short foot exercise + Hip and Knee Strengthening exercise and Hip and Knee Strengthening Exercises in people with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences 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 13 inclusion and 3 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 14 Jul 2026. 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 Afifa Khizar, MSPT (+923359077922, afifa.khizar15@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Kujala Anterior knee pain scale (AKPS) (time frame: Baseline measurement and after 6 weeks intervention). 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?
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 14 Jul 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.