Compressive Myofascial Release of the Vastus Lateralis on Lateral Patellar Tracking in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

In brief

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome is a prevalent condition characterized by anterior knee pain, often exacerbated by activities such as squatting, running, and stair climbing. This condition is frequently associated with improper patellar tracking, particularly lateral displacement, which can be influenced by various factors including muscular imbalances and tightness. The vastus lateralis muscle, part of the quadriceps group, is often implicated in contributing to lateral patellar tracking due to its attachment and alignment. Compressive myofascial release (CMFR) is a therapeutic technique aimed at reducing muscle tightness and restoring optimal muscle function. This study will explore the effects compressive myofascial release on the vastus lateralis in improving patellar tracking in patients diagnosed with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.The methodology of this study involves a randomized controlled trial with a sample of patients diagnosed with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. Non-probability convenience sampling technique will be used and participants will be recruited in groups after randomization. Participants(n=26) will be divided into two groups: the intervention group (n=13) receiving compressive myofascial release on the vastus lateralis, and a control group receiving(n=13) a routine treatment. The intervention will be administered over a period of four weeks, with sessions occurring three times weekly. Patellar tracking will be assessed using q-angle analysis both pre- and post-intervention. Additionally, subjective measures of pain and functional ability will be evaluated using the Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and the Kujala Patellofemoral Score. Data analysis will focus on comparing the changes in lateral patellar displacement and patient-reported outcomes between the two groups to determine the efficacy of compressive myofascial release in correcting lateral patellar tracking and alleviating symptoms of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. SPSS version 25 will be used for data analysis

Key facts

Study ID: NCT06875804
Run by: Riphah International University
People needed: 24
Starts: 2025-01-02
Expected to finish: 2025-09-15
Last updated by the study team: 2025-03-13

Who can join

Age: 20 and older, up to 40. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

Age group between 20 to 40 years
Male and female gender
Diagnosed cases of Patellofemoral syndrome
Participants with positive J sign and Clarke's test
Pain provoked during knee loading physical activity, such as jumping, running, squatting, or going up or down stairs in last 3 months
Presence of excessive lateral patellar tracking on axial view radiographs

You may not qualify if…

History of knee surgery in the past year.
Any contraindications to myofascial release therapy, such as active infections, open wounds.
Presence of hip pathology or other knee conditions such as ligament tears, meniscal injuries, Osgood-Schlatter or Sinding-Larsen-Johanssen syndrome or jumpers knee
Participants with a history of trauma or repetitive episodes of patellar subluxation or dislocation
Use of intra-articular corticosteroid injections
Presence of auto-immune disorder (spondylolisthesis, spondylitis, Rheumatoid arthritis etc.) other than knee OA or systemic conditions such as severe cardiovascular disease

Where it is running

Social Security Hospital — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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