Biomechanically determined interventions for patellofemoral pain

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Biomechanically determined interventions for patellofemoral pain - a randomised interventional pilot trial

  • IRAS ID

    145061

  • Contact name

    Simon Lack

  • Contact email

    s.d.lack@qmul.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Queen Mary University of London

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    2 years, 0 months, 16 days

  • Research summary

    Background
    Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a common musculoskeletal complaint in both recreationally active and sporting populations. Deficits above, below and at the knee that are associated with PFP development and maintenance have been identified within the current literature. The effect of interventions tailored to these specific deficits has not been robustly explored.
    Objectives
    The aims of this feasibility study are [1] test the methods and procedures of delivering a patient specific tailored intervention to be used on a larger scale trial, [2] determine the feasibility of patient recruitment and retention in both public and private sectors [3] explore the effects of tailored compared to untailored interventions to inform a clinical trial.
    Method
    Individuals with a diagnosis of patellofemoral pain who have consented to be involved in the study will be randomised into either a tailored or untailored intervention group. Clinical measures of disability, pain and lower limb function will be taken at baseline. Biomechanical analysis, using 3 dimensional motion capture and electromyography (measure of electrical activity within the muscle), will be obtained during a functional step up task before and after an 8 week intervention period. Results will be used to tailor the intervention in the tailored group. The intervention will be a quadriceps plus hip strengthening or a quadriceps strengthening plus orthoses programme.
    Feasibility Outcome Measures (at 3 months)
    Identification
    At least 70% of participants identified as eligible for inclusion into the trial can be recruited.
    Recruitment
    A minimum of 2 patients per week from Pure Sports Medicine and Mile End Hospital will be identified for the study. Over the 41 week proposed duration of a larger trial, a total of 84 participants could be recruited.
    Drop out
    The drop out rate for participants who enter the study and complete the 8-week intervention programme and attending follow-up is not more than 10%.

  • REC name

    London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    15/LO/1447

  • Date of REC Opinion

    19 Aug 2015

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion