Patellofemoral Pain (PFP) is a common knee condition causing pain around the kneecapduring activities like running or squatting. Limited ankle flexibility ("dorsiflexion" -how far participants can lift their toes toward the shin) may worsen PFP by altering legmovements. This study investigates whether adding ankle flexibility exercises to standardknee-strengthening programs improves outcomes for young adults with PFP. Active adultsaged 18-30 with PFP and limited ankle flexibility (measured with a simple tool) areeligible, excluding those with prior knee/ankle surgeries, fractures, or conditions likearthritis. Sixty-four participants will be randomly assigned to either an Exercise +Ankle Training group (standard knee exercises plus targeted ankle training) or anExercise-Only group for 8 weeks under physiotherapist guidance. Outcomes includeimprovements in knee pain scores (Kujala Scale), ankle flexibility changes, and musclecoordination measured with non-invasive sensors. If effective, ankle flexibility trainingcould provide a low-cost addition to current treatments, helping patients resumeactivities with less pain. The study follows international ethical guidelines and hasreceived preliminary ethics approval (No. TJUS-2025-054).
Not Provided
Other: Standard Exercise Therapy + Ankle Dorsiflexion Training
The experimental group receives:
Standard Exercise Therapy (30 min/session, 3x/week for 8 weeks): Quadriceps eccentric
exercises (e.g., slow step-downs), Hip abductor strengthening (e.g., side-lying leg
lifts), and Neuromuscular control drills (e.g., single-leg balance on unstable surfaces).
Ankle Dorsiflexion Training (15 min/session, 3x/week for 8 weeks): Mobilization
techniques (posterior glides of the talus), Resistance band exercises (dorsiflexion
against elastic bands), Progressive Achilles tendon stretching (weight-bearing calf
stretches).
Exercise progression (resistance/intensity) is adjusted biweekly based on functional
assessments.
Other: Standard Exercise Therapy Only
Standard Exercise Therapy (30 min/session, 3x/week for 8 weeks): Quadriceps eccentric
exercises (e.g., slow step-downs), Hip abductor strengthening (e.g., side-lying leg
lifts), and Neuromuscular control drills (e.g., single-leg balance on unstable surfaces).
Exercise progression (resistance/intensity) is adjusted biweekly based on functional
assessments.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Aged 18-30 years
- Diagnosed with patellofemoral pain (PFP) per clinical guidelines (anterior knee pain
aggravated by ≥2 activities: running, squatting, stair climbing)
- Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) <10° (measured via goniometer in
weight-bearing)
- BMI 18.5-28 kg/m²
- Engage in regular physical activity (≥3 sessions/week)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Ankle fractures
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout, or systemic diseases
- Prior knee/ankle surgeries
- Concurrent lower limb injuries (e.g., ligament tears, meniscal pathology)
- Neurological disorders affecting mobility
- Participation in other lower limb rehabilitation programs within 3 months
Not Provided
yuan wu
+8615750642556
15750642556@163.com
Not Provided