Mind over muscle: new study tests if focus cues boost knee rehab

NCT ID NCT07384858

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looks at whether telling people to focus on their muscles (internal focus) or on an external object (external focus) during knee exercises leads to better strength and less pain. Researchers will enroll 36 adults with patellofemoral pain syndrome and track their progress over 6 weeks. The goal is to find the best way to give exercise instructions for faster recovery.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: attentional focus strategies (internal vs. external cues during exercise)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that simple changes in how you think during exercise can improve knee strength and reduce pain, leading to better rehab programs.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 36 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The intervention is just a different way of giving exercise instructions, so any benefit is likely modest.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

patellofemoral pain syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN, PFP

Contacts and locations

Locations

Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa
RECRUITING

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

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