Stabilization vs Corrective Exercise in PFP

Ahram Canadian University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Treatments: Behavioral: Comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program (CCEP); Behavioral: Functional Stabilization Training (FST); Behavioral: Standard Care Exercise Program (SC)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07465380

FSTvsCCEP in PFP and DKV

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a Functional Stabilization training program (FST) and a comprehensive corrective exercise program in PF pain and DKV.

Full description

PF pain impairs performance and quality of life and can predispose individuals to early PF osteoarthritis and Dynamic knee valgus has been identified as a modifiable risk factor for PF pain and serious knee injury .

Current rehabilitation strategies show mixed results. Solo hip strengthening programs may not correct Dynamic knee valgus. While both Functional Stabilization training (FST) and comprehensive corrective programs (CCEP) show potential benefits, direct comparisons are lacking. The FST suggested superior outcomes with functional training, but it did not specifically target DKV. Conversely, the CCEP demonstrated kinematic improvements, but included asymptomatic participants and lacked patient reported outcomes.

By directly comparing Functional Stabilization training (FST) with the CCEP, this study aims to provide clinicians with evidence based guidance on the most effective exercise strategy for improving lower limb kinematics and reducing pain. The findings could inform best practice guidelines and enhance outcomes.

Enrollment: 60 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 35 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Patellofemoral pain lasting > 6 weeks
• Demonstrates dynamic knee valgus during single-leg squat (FPPA ≥ 10°).
• Arabic Kujala Patellofemoral Scale (KPS) score < 80.
• Age 18-35 years

Exclusion criteria

• Previous knee surgery; ligament/meniscus injury; or lower-limb fractures
• Neurologic disorders.
• Systemic inflammatory disease
• Pregnancy.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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60 participants in 3 patient groups

Standard Care (SC)

Active Comparator group

Description:

Standard care exercise program for patellofemoral pain. Participants receive 24 supervised sessions (3 sessions/week for 8 weeks), \~45-60 minutes/session." (If you want 1 extra line: "Exercises follow a conventional PFP program based on Baldon et al.")

Treatment:

Behavioral: Standard Care Exercise Program (SC)

Functional Stabilization Training (FST)

Experimental group

Description:

Functional stabilization/neuromuscular training to optimize movement patterns and dynamic alignment. 24 supervised sessions (3/week for 8 weeks), \~45-60 minutes/session. Includes warm-up/cool-down (\~15 min) and \~45 min exercises. Intensity/progression increases every 2 weeks; exercises progress from \~2 sets (10-20 reps) with \~5-sec isometric holds to \~3 sets of \~12 reps with \~10-sec holds and added external load (weights/elastic resistance)

Treatment:

Behavioral: Functional Stabilization Training (FST)

Comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program (CCEP)

Experimental group

Description:

Comprehensive corrective exercise program targeting strength, flexibility, neuromuscular control, and alignment across the kinetic chain for dynamic knee valgus. 24 supervised sessions (3/week for 8 weeks), \~45-60 minutes/session. Three phases: weeks 1-2 sensorimotor/non-weight-bearing alignment + feedback + isometrics; weeks 3-6 progressive weight-bearing with increased load/complexity and emphasis on co-contraction/reciprocal activation; weeks 7-8 functional tasks to maintain gains and challenge multi-planar control. Visual/verbal/tactile feedback provided; progression only with correct technique

Treatment:

Behavioral: Comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program (CCEP)