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NCT Number: NCT07544940

Digital Health for Patellofemoral Pain

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.

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Key information

Conditions

PFPS

Age range

18 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

Digital health

Behavioral

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 exercise

Behavioral

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.

Primary outcomes

  1. Anterior Knee Pain Scale

    Time frame: Baseline; 6 weeks; 18 weeks

Secondary outcomes

  1. Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score

    Time frame: Baseline; 6 weeks; 18 weeks

  2. Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia

    Time frame: Baseline; 6 weeks; 18 weeks

  3. Pain Catastrophizing Scale

    Time frame: Baseline; 6 weeks; 18 weeks

  4. Muscle strength

    Time frame: Baseline; 6 weeks; 18 weeks

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Wei-Yang Zhang

CONTACT

[email protected]

8615196279571

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Chengdu Sport University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Digital Health-Based Rehabilitation for Participants With Patellofemoral Pain

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2027
First posted
Apr 22, 2026
Registry last updated
Apr 22, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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