Smartwatch coaching eases Runner's knee in small trial

NCT ID NCT07176819

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Beijing Sport University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

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%, while the other received only education. The goal was to see if this simple gait change could lower pain and improve function compared to advice alone.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: gait retraining with wearable device biofeedback
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way for female runners to reduce knee pain and keep running without surgery or medication.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed trial with only 44 participants, so results may not apply to all runners. The intervention requires a smartwatch and may not work for everyone.

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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

Beijing Sport University

Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100084, China

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