An interventional study of Popliteus Muscle Release and Patellofemoral Mobilization in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, sponsored by Cairo University. Not yet recruiting. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 30 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-07-13.
Sponsored by Cairo University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This study will be conducted to compare the effect of popliteus muscle release and patellofemoral mobilization on pain intensity, function, and quadriceps muscle strength in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome?
The gradual development of diffuse anterior knee pain is characteristic of patellofemoral pain (PFP), which is made worse by activities that put stress on the patellofemoral joint, such as running, stair climbing, and squatting. While 23% of the overall population has PFP, athletes can have a prevalence of 35%.Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a widespread disease with a significant impact on society, with a 22.7% prevalence in the general population.The patella is the largest sesamoid bone in the body and acts as a fulcrum to improve the mechanical advantage of the quadriceps. In full knee extension the patella does not articulate with the femoral condyles, and related to the lack of articular congruency, is able to glide more freely. The inferior patellar facet first contacts the femoral condyle around 20-30o of knee flexion.The popliteus tendon is a primary stabilizer of external knee rotation and has been described as the "fifth ligament of the knee." Injuries involving the posterolateral corner of the knee commonly involve the popliteus tendon; isolated injury to the popliteus tendon is relatively rare and usually involves a rotatory injury mechanism and symptoms of instability and pain.Myofascial release has been shown to improve pain, range of motion, and functional outcomes in individuals with knee disorders. By targeting fascial restrictions around the quadriceps, hamstrings, iliotibial band, and peri-patellar tissues, myofascial techniques help reduce tissue stiffness and abnormal tension that may contribute to altered patellar tracking and joint loading.Patellofemoral mobilization is considered an important intervention in the management of PFPS, particularly in patients presenting with pain, stiffness, or altered patellar tracking.Although both techniques are used to reduce anterior knee pain and improve function, current evidence is insufficient to determine which intervention is more effective. Therefore, further randomized controlled trials are needed to compare their effects on pain and functional outcomes in individuals with PFPS.
295 studies on the registry are indexed under Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome; 75 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 48 is close to the median of 45 across 242 interventional studies indexed under Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.
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Of its 36 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 5 (14%) have results posted.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Sixteen patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome will receive popliteus muscle release. plus traditional physical therapy three times a week for 4 weeks.
Other: Popliteus Muscle Release · Other: traditional therapy
Sixteen patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome will receive patellofemoral mobilization plus traditional physical therapy three times a week for 4 weeks.
Other: Patellofemoral Mobilization · Other: traditional therapy
Sixteen patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome will receive traditional physical therapy three times a week for 4 weeks.
Other: traditional therapy
the participant will lie supine and relaxed on a treatment bench. The therapist will begin the treatment by flexing the participant's knee to approximately 15-25 degrees. Then, the therapist will apply pressure to the popliteus muscle while simultaneously extending the knee to approximately 5 degrees of flexion. When the knee is extended, the pressure will be released. The therapist will repeat this procedure for up to 2 minutes plus tradional therapy
Following the clinical guidelines established by Brukner and Khan, the mobilization will be performed with the patient in a supine position to ensure complete relaxation of the quadriceps musculature, thereby minimizing joint compressive forces. The intervention will include multidirectional glides tailored to specific functional deficits:Superior glides,Inferior glides,Medial-lateral excursions and tilt mobilization.Each mobilization will be applied as a gentle sustained glide for duration of 30 to 60 seconds per repetition
patients will receive quadriceps muscle strength, hip extension strength, hamstring stretch.
pain intensity
The scale used will be the visual analogue scale (VAS), which consists of a line, usually 10 cm long, the patient will be instructed to place a vertical mark on to indicate his/ her pain, ranging from no pain or discomfort (0), to the worst pain that could possibly feel
Time frame: up to four weeks
knee disability
The Kujala Arabic version will be used to assess knee disability. it is 13 items on the scale are used to assess subjective symptoms and functional restrictions. A score can have a minimum of 0 points or a maximum of 100 points.Lower scores reflect greater pain and disability
Time frame: up to four weeks
quadriceps muscle strength
A handheld dynamometer will be used to assess quadrecips muscle strength
Time frame: up to four weeks
No study locations are listed for this record.
This study is not yet recruiting, as verified in Jul 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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Cairo University