Patellofemoral pain syndrome

This study compares two supervised exercise programs—motor control retraining and close kinetic chain exercises—to see which better reduces pain, improves knee function, and strengthens a key thigh muscle in people with patellofemoral pain syndrome (pain around the kneecap). Fift…

This study uses machine learning to identify biomechanical risk factors for common running injuries like shin splints, runner's knee, and Achilles tendon pain in recreational runners. Participants undergo motion capture and muscle activity analysis while running, then are followe…

This study looked at how well a specific knee replacement (balanSys UNI) works over time. 116 people with knee arthritis got the implant and were followed for at least 2 years. Doctors measured knee function using the Knee Society Score and checked X-rays for any problems.

This trial tests whether adding clamshell exercises — a hip-strengthening move — to standard physical therapy can better reduce pain and improve knee function in people with patellofemoral pain syndrome (pain around the kneecap). Forty adults aged 18 to 45 with this common knee c…

This study tests whether a 12-week program of water-based jumping and hopping exercises (hydro-kinetic plyometrics) can reduce pain, strengthen leg muscles, and improve quality of life in adolescents with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Fifty-six teens aged 10–18 with persis…

This study looks at whether adding core muscle exercises to a hip and knee workout can lower pain and improve knee alignment in women with patellofemoral pain syndrome (knee pain around the kneecap). Thirty-six women aged 19-35 with a healthy weight will be assigned to different …

This study compared two types of exercises—clam shell exercises (for hip muscles) and short arc quadriceps exercises (for thigh muscles)—in 34 adults aged 18-40 with patellofemoral pain syndrome, also known as runner's knee. Participants were randomly assigned to one exercise gro…

This study tested a minimally invasive surgery for people with kneecap pain, dislocation, or instability. Surgeons used their finger to guide a small cut to release tight ligaments, aiming for less tissue damage than open surgery. 23 participants were enrolled. The approach may r…

This study tested whether a mobile app with sensors could help 174 adults with chronic kneecap pain follow their home exercise program. Participants received 1, 3, or 6 face-to-face remote training sessions and then exercised on their own for 6 weeks. The app tracked how much the…

This study looked at whether adding heat therapy or contrast therapy (alternating hot and cold) to a specific exercise program helps people with patellofemoral pain syndrome, a common cause of front knee pain. Forty adults aged 18 to 40 with at least three months of knee pain too…

This pilot study tested whether a progressive outdoor mindful running program, guided by the Headspace app, is feasible and helpful for adults with patellofemoral pain (front knee pain). 18 participants completed a 5-week program that introduced mindfulness and guided mindful run…

This study tested two manual therapy techniques—Strain Counterstrain and Graston Technique—in 60 adults with patellofemoral pain syndrome (pain around the kneecap). The goal was to see which method better reduces pain and improves knee movement right after treatment. Participants…

This study looked at whether a 6-week exercise program focusing on hip and ankle mobility could help male soccer players with a common type of knee pain called patellofemoral pain. 48 players were split into two groups: one did the special exercises plus their regular training, w…

This study looked at two remote running programs for people with runner's knee (patellofemoral pain). One group was asked to increase their step rate and run less, another just ran less, and a third group kept running as usual. The goal was to see if these changes could reduce kn…

This pilot study looked at whether passive static stretching can increase hip flexibility in three groups: people who had hip replacement, those with long-term hip pain, and healthy volunteers. Twelve participants followed a 4-week stretching program three times a week under supe…

This study tested whether adding a specific massage technique (myofascial release) to standard physical therapy could improve quality of life for people with chronic knee pain. 45 adults with knee pain participated. The approach focused on a small muscle behind the knee called th…

This study tested whether a gel containing piroxicam plus warming and cooling ingredients (methyl salicylate, menthol, eugenol) works as well as standard piroxicam-only or diclofenac gels for muscle and joint pain. 180 adults with conditions like ankle sprain, back pain, or knee …

This study looked at 38 young male runners with patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner's knee) to see which type of exercise helps more: resistance training or neuromuscular training. Both groups did their assigned exercises, and researchers measured leg power, knee function, and b…

This study tested whether adding shock wave therapy to a home exercise program could reduce knee pain and improve function in adults with patellofemoral pain syndrome (a common cause of front knee pain). Thirty-six people aged 18–45 were split into three groups: exercise only, sh…

This study tested whether adding hip or ankle exercises to standard knee strengthening could help women with patellofemoral pain syndrome (anterior knee pain). Forty-five female recreational athletes aged 20-40 completed an 8-week telehealth-supervised program. Both the hip-plus-…

This study compared robotic-assisted total knee replacement to the conventional technique in 95 patients with knee arthritis. The goal was to see if robotic surgery leads to better knee function, less pain, and higher satisfaction two years after the operation. Researchers also c…

This study tested whether a wearable device that coaches runners to take quicker, shorter steps can reduce knee pain in female runners with patellofemoral pain (runner's knee). 44 women were split into two groups: one used a smartwatch app to increase their step rate by 10%, whil…

This study looks at how the thigh muscles control the movement of the knee cap in people with long-term knee cap pain. Researchers will use MRI scans to compare knee movement in people with pain and healthy volunteers. In a second session, they will temporarily numb a thigh muscl…

This study is observing 85 male teen athletes aged 15-17 to see how their trunk mobility, hamstring flexibility, and balance differ by sport. No treatments are given—just measurements using a digital inclinometer and balance tests. The goal is to spot physical traits that might r…

This study looked at 45 people with patellofemoral pain syndrome (pain around the kneecap) to see if different types of the condition have unique movement problems. Participants had X-rays and walking tests to measure how their knees move. The goal was to better understand the co…

This study looks at how the muscles around the knee work together to control movement, especially in the kneecap area. Researchers temporarily numbed one muscle with lidocaine in 28 healthy volunteers and used MRI scans to see how the knee moved. The goal is to better understand …

This study looked at how the quadriceps (thigh) muscle uses oxygen in people with patellofemoral pain (pain around the kneecap) compared to pain-free individuals. Researchers measured muscle oxygenation using a light-based device during activities like squatting and stair climbin…

This completed study looked at 75 elite teen track-and-field athletes, half with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and half without. Researchers measured hip flexibility, core endurance, and knee alignment to see what factors are linked to knee pain. They found that athletes wi…