Digital Health for Patellofemoral Pain

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT07544940

Chengdu Sport University40 enrolled

Overview

This randomized controlled superiority trial will compare a 6-week digital health rehabilitation program with a 6-week self-guided exercise program in adults with patellofemoral pain. Assessments will be performed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 18 weeks. The primary outcome will be change in AKPS from baseline to 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes will include pain intensity, self-reported function, psychological outcomes, quality of life, muscle strength, adherence, and adverse events.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

PFPS

Interventions

Digital healthBEHAVIORAL

Participants will receive a 6-week digital health program delivered through a smartphone application mini-program. The intervention will include: * PFP education (condition information, pain management, load management, and activity advice) * Progressive exercise advancement according to pain response and performance * Video demonstration and structured session guidance * Symptom tracking and exercise logging * Automated reminders and adherence support * Remote therapist feedback when required

Self-guided exerciseBEHAVIORAL

Participants will receive a 6-week self-guided home exercise program with initial instruction delivered in printed format. Participants will be advised to perform the exercises independently at home. No ongoing digital supervision, tailored feedback, or structured adherence prompts will be provided.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 45 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-45 years * Clinical diagnosis of patellofemoral pain * Symptoms for at least 3 months * Anterior or retropatellar knee pain provoked by at least two aggravating activities such as stair ambulation, squatting, running, jumping, or prolonged sitting * Baseline pain intensity of at least 3/10 on the Numeric Rating Pain Scale * Ability to provide written informed consent and comply with study procedures Exclusion Criteria: * Previous knee surgery * Patellar dislocation or obvious instability * Ligament injury, clinically important meniscal injury, moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis, or other major structural knee pathology * Major hip, ankle, or lumbar disorders substantially affecting lower-limb function * Neurological disorders affecting movement or balance * Pregnancy * Structured PFP rehabilitation within the previous 3 months * Any other condition deemed unsuitable by the investigators