AzTrials
AzTrials

Patello Femoral Pain SyndromeNCT07921212

Effects of Telerehabilitation Versus Supervised Rehabilitation Protocol on Pain, Range of Motion and Functional Recovery in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.

A study testing Telerehabilitation and Supervised Rehabilitation in people with Patello Femoral Pain Syndrome, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

This study aims to compare the effects of telerehabilitation and supervised rehabilitation protocols on pain, range of motion (ROM), and functional recovery in patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 20 to 60 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Patello Femoral Pain Syndrome
What is being tested?
Telerehabilitation and Supervised Rehabilitation
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
44 participants
Where
1 sitePakistan
Study dates
15 Oct 2026to 30 Dec 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 20 to 60 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • • Participants aged 18-60 years
  • Anterior knee pain for at least 6 months.
  • Presence of retro-patellar or peri-patellar pain lasting more than 6 weeks.
  • Diagnosis of PFPS based on:
  • Kujala score < 100). Participants were included with PFPS when Kujala (AKPS) score < 85 indicating limitation function limitation in PFPS.
  • Positive Clarke's Test
  • Pain during patellar compression or patellar facet palpation

Who cannot join

  • • History of knee injury/trauma or lower extremity joint replacement.
  • Systemic diseases: diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Synovitis of the knee, degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee, and history of prior chronic knee pain. Having referred pain coming from the lumbar spine, hips, ankles or feet.
  • Athletes or individuals with high physical activity (based on GPAQ).
  • Neurological disorders

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Vaneeza Jamshaid, DPT contact

03064542445

malikawanvaneeza22@gmail.com

Iqra Abdul Ghafoor, PPDPT contact

0321-6414266

Iqra.ghafoor@riphah.edu.pk

Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Riphah International University

    Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000

    Iqra abdul ghafoor, PPDPT, 032116414266, Iqra.ghafoor@riphah.edu.pk

    Vaneeza Jamshaid, DPT, 03064542445, malikawanvaneeza22@gmail.com

    Recruiting

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

This study aims to compare the effects of telerehabilitation and supervised rehabilitation protocols on pain, range of motion (ROM), and functional recovery in patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS). The findings will help determine the effectiveness of remote rehabilitation compared to conventional supervised physiotherapy in improving clinical outcomes among PFPS patients.

Read the detailed description

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions affecting the knee, particularly among physically active individuals and young adults. It is characterized by anterior knee pain that is aggravated during activities such as stair climbing, squatting, running, prolonged sitting, and other weight-bearing tasks. PFPS can lead to reduced physical function, limitations in daily activities, decreased participation in sports, and a lower quality of life. Rehabilitation programs focusing on pain reduction, restoration of range of motion, muscle strengthening, and functional recovery are considered essential components of management.

Recent advances in digital healthcare have increased the use of telerehabilitation as an alternative method for delivering physiotherapy services. Telerehabilitation offers remote access to exercise programs and clinical guidance, making rehabilitation more accessible and convenient for patients. Several studies have reported positive outcomes of both supervised rehabilitation and telerehabilitation in managing musculoskeletal disorders. However, evidence directly comparing the effects of telerehabilitation and supervised rehabilitation for improving pain, range of motion, and functional recovery in individuals with PFPS remains limited and inconsistent.

There is a need for further research to determine whether telerehabilitation can provide outcomes comparable to conventional supervised rehabilitation in patients with PFPS. Addressing this gap may help clinicians make evidence-based decisions regarding rehabilitation delivery methods and improve access to effective treatment for individuals experiencing patellofemoral pain.

Being tested
Telerehabilitation, Supervised Rehabilitation
Keywords
anterior knee pain ,supervised rehabilitation, patellofemoral pain syndrome, telerehabilitation
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.

  • TelerehabilitationOther

    Also called Tele-rehab Protocol, Digital Physical Therapy Program , Remote Supervised Exercise Program

    The telerehabilitation intervention consists of a structured rehabilitation program delivered remotely through virtual communication platforms. The program includes therapeutic exercises, stretching, strengthening, and functional training designed to reduce pain, improve knee range of motion, and enhance functional recovery in patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. Participants will receive regular guidance, monitoring, and progression of exercises through remote sessions. Participants receive a structured 6-week telerehabilitation exercise program delivered remotely under live, real-time video call supervision by a licensed physical therapist (3 sessions per week, total 18 sessions, for 40 mins.

    Baseline Protocol 5-10 minutes warm-up walk.10-15 minutes self-applied moist hot pack over anterior knee. Self-stretching exercises for Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Gastrocnemius-Soleus, and Iliotibial band (3 repetitions of 30-second holds each).Pain-free active knee range of motion exercises

  • Supervised RehabilitationOther

    Also called In-Clinic Physiotherapy, Face-to-Face Supervised Rehabilitation

    Participants receive face-to-face, in-clinic supervised physical therapy delivered directly by a licensed physical therapist (3 sessions per week ,40 min,total 18 sessions).

    Baseline Protocol (Pre-Exercise):

    5-10 minutes warm-up walk. 10-15 minutes hot pack surrounding patella). Therapist-assisted passive/active-assisted stretching for Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Gastrocnemius-Soleus, and Iliotibial band (3 repetitions of 20-second holds each).

    Pain-free active and active-assisted knee range of motion (flexion and extension) exercises.

    Exercise Progression Protocol:

    Identical exercise progression framework as the Telerehabilitation group (Weeks 1 to 6 covering SLR, hip abduction, clamshells, squats, lunges, step-ups, step-downs, and single-leg balance), performed in-clinic under direct hands-on physical supervision and guidance.

Study groups in NCT07921212
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Group AExperimentalParticipants receive a structured 6-week telerehabilitation exercise program delivered remotely under live, real-time video call supervision by a licensed physical therapist (3 sessions per week, total 18 sessions, for 40 mins. Baseline Protocol (Pre-Exercise):5-10 minutes warm-up walk.10-15 minutes self-applied moist hot pack over anterior knee. Self-stretching exercises for Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Gastrocnemius-Soleus, and Iliotibial band (3 repetitions of 30-second holds each).Pain-free active knee range of motion (flexion and extension) exercises. Exercise Progression Protocol: Week 1 (Muscle Activation \& Pain Relief). Week 2 (Subacute Phase - Closed Kinetic Chain \& Hip Stability)Week 3 (Intermediate Phase - Dynamic Stability),Week 4 (Advanced Phase - Eccentric Control),Week 5 (Functional Integration),Week 6 (High-Level Function \& Discharge Prep): Full depth controlled squats , Stair negotiation drills, Unassisted single-leg squats, and Multi-planar step agility drills.
Receives: Other: Telerehabilitation
Group BExperimentalParticipants receive face-to-face, in-clinic supervised physical therapy delivered directly by a licensed physical therapist (3 sessions per week ,40 min,total 18 sessions). Baseline Protocol (Pre-Exercise): 5-10 minutes warm-up walk. 10-15 minutes hot pack surrounding patella). Therapist-assisted passive/active-assisted stretching for Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Gastrocnemius-Soleus, and Iliotibial band (3 repetitions of 20-second holds each). Pain-free active and active-assisted knee range of motion (flexion and extension) exercises. Exercise Progression Protocol: Identical exercise progression framework as the Telerehabilitation group (Weeks 1 to 6 covering SLR, hip abduction, clamshells, squats, lunges, step-ups, step-downs, and single-leg balance), performed in-clinic under direct hands-on physical supervision and guidance.
Receives: Other: Supervised Rehabilitation

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Numeric Pain Rating Scale

    The NPRS was utilized to assess the patient's pain level. Patients were asked to rate the intensity of their current pain level on an 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (the worst discomfort possible).

    Measured: The NPRS Scale will be assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and after completion of the rehabilitation program. The total intervention duration will be 6 weeks, with sessions conducted 3 times per week.

  2. Anterior Knee Pain Scale/ Kujala Score

    The Kujala score was originally designed to assess symptoms and functional disability in patients with Patellofemoral dysfunction. The grading system consists of 13 questions about functional features, such as limping, support, walking, stair descending and climbing, squatting, running, jumping, prolonged sitting with knees flexed, pain, swelling, kneecap movement, thigh atrophy, and flexion deficit. The maximum score is 100, and a higher number indicates a better result.

    Measured: The Kujala Score will be assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and after completion of the rehabilitation program. The total intervention duration will be 6 weeks, with sessions conducted 3 times per week.

  3. Universal Goniometer for ROM

    The universal goniometer is the most often used clinical equipment for measuring ROM. Goniometer demonstrates good intra-rater and inter-rater reliability when used consistently with proper technique. The whole range of joint mobility can be measured in degrees by aligning the goniometer's fixed and moveable arms to specific bony landmarks on either side of the joint, and a universal goniometer is used to measure joint range of motion (ROM).

    Measured: The ROM will be assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and after completion of the rehabilitation program. The total intervention duration will be 6 weeks, with sessions conducted 3 times per week.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted6 Nov 2026
  2. Study start15 Oct 2026
  3. Primary completion15 Dec 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion30 Dec 2026 (estimated)

Resources

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
Model description
This randomized controlled trial will enroll 40 patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome, divided into two groups. Group A is a Telerehabilitation group which will get online treatment through WhatsApp calls while Group B is a Supervised group in which patients will get a treatment in a clinic setting. It is a 6 week study, 3 sessions per week total 18 sessions of 40 min with outcomes measured by NPRS,Goniometer and Kujala Knee Pain Score.
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
44 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07921212
Sponsor's protocol ID
Vaneeza Jamshaid RIU
Status last verified
Nov 2026
First submitted
2 Nov 2026
Last updated
6 Nov 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Nilmart P, Vongsirinavarat M, Khawsuwan P, Chumthong K, Tadein R, Komalasari DR. Impact of telehealth-based therapeutic exercise on pain, functional performance and dynamic knee valgus in young adult females with patellofemoral pain: a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2024 Dec 18;10(4):e001939. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2024-001939. eCollection 2024.

    PubMed 39720152
  • Lee JH, Shin KH, Lee GB, Son S, Jang KM. Comparison of Functional Outcomes between Supervised Rehabilitation and Telerehabilitation in Female Patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Jan 26;20(3):2233. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20032233.

    PubMed 36767600

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Telerehabilitation and Supervised Rehabilitation in people with Patello Femoral 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 5 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 6 Nov 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 Vaneeza Jamshaid, DPT (03064542445, malikawanvaneeza22@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Numeric Pain Rating Scale (time frame: The NPRS Scale will be assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and after completion of the rehabilitation program. The total intervention duration will be 6 weeks, with sessions conducted 3 times per week.). 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?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07921212, which also lists 2 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 6 Nov 2026.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in