Body Awareness-Based Rehabilitation on Physical Psychosocial Status in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

This study is designed as a randomized controlled clinical trial to investigate the effects of a body awareness-based sensorimotor rehabilitation program on pain behavior, movement quality, and psychosocial outcomes in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Eligible participants diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome will be randomly allocated to either an intervention group or a control group. Randomization will be performed using a computer-generated sequence.

The intervention group will receive a structured body awareness-based sensorimotor rehabilitation program. This program will focus on improving body awareness, postural control, balance, and coordinated movement through guided exercises and movement education. The program aims to enhance participants' ability to perceive and control their body movements during functional activities.

The control group will receive conventional physiotherapy exercises commonly used in the management of patellofemoral pain syndrome. These exercises will focus on strengthening, flexibility, and functional training.

Both groups will participate in their respective programs for a defined intervention period. Outcome assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the end of the intervention period by assessors blinded to group allocation.

Primary outcomes include changes in pain-related behaviors. Secondary outcomes include changes in movement quality and psychosocial status.

The findings of this study will contribute to understanding the role of body awareness-based sensorimotor rehabilitation in the comprehensive management of patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18-45 years.
• Clinical diagnosis of patellofemoral pain syndrome with anterior or retropatellar knee pain.
• Knee pain lasting for at least 3 months.
• Pain intensity of at least moderate level during functional activities such as stair climbing, squatting, or prolonged sitting.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions and provide informed consent.
• Willingness to participate in the rehabilitation program.

Exclusion criteria

• History of knee surgery within the past 12 months.
• Presence of other knee pathologies (e.g., ligament injury, meniscal tear, osteoarthritis).
• Diagnosis of inflammatory or rheumatological diseases.
• Neurological disorders affecting balance or movement.
• Current pregnancy.
• Participation in another structured physiotherapy or rehabilitation program within the past 3 months.
• Any condition that may prevent safe participation in exercise.