Knee pain relief through isometric exercises? small study halted early
NCT ID NCT06536426
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at whether a specific set of isometric (holding still) exercises could reduce pain and improve function in people with anterior knee pain. Only 6 people enrolled before the study was stopped early. Participants did exercises like wall sits and glute bridges, and reported their pain and function. Because the trial was so small and terminated, we cannot draw firm conclusions.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Knee Isometric Program (KIP) - a set of isometric exercises
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this program could offer a simple, home-based exercise option to ease knee pain and improve daily function.
- What could go wrong
- The trial was terminated early with only 6 participants, so results are very limited. It is unclear if the program works better than standard care.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
6 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Aug 2024
- Finished
-
Sep 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 65 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Accept all provisions of the study and agree to complete the program in its entirety * Age between 18-65 * Complaint of anterior knee pain for at least 4 weeks, but no more than 12 months * Prescribed referral for physical therapy for their knee(s) from one of the investigators Exclusion Criteria: * Potential participant does not agree to comply with study protocols or does not wish to be subjected to a random group allocation * Any neurological or degenerative musculoskeletal condition involving the lower extremities * Ages outside of 18-65 * Surgical history or fracture within the last 12 months on the affected extremity(ies) * Currently participating in a structured strength training program * Inability to access clinic for data collection or follow-up sessions * Significant anatomical anomaly or limb alignment disorder as diagnosed by medical professional (femoral anteversion/retroversion, patella alta/baja, varus/valgus deformities, patella deformities/fractures, osteotomy procedures, limb lengthening procedures) * Significant cartilage damage as diagnosed by medical professional (grade 3+ chondral defects of the femur or patella) * Any other condition that limits full weight bearing of the affected lower extremity(ies) * Vulnerable populations
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Anterior knee pain syndrome are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Houston Methodist Research Institute
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.