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Effects of Isometric, Isotonic, and Eccentric VMO Exercises in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

NCT07562425 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 90

Last updated 2026-05-12

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by anterior knee pain, especially during activities such as stair climbing, squatting, running, and prolonged sitting. Weakness or delayed activation of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscle is considered an important contributing factor in the development of PFPS.

This study aims to compare the effects of three different types of VMO strengthening exercises (isometric, isotonic, and eccentric) applied within the terminal knee extension range (0-30°) on pain, functional performance, and muscle architecture in individuals with PFPS.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three exercise groups. All participants will receive a standardized physiotherapy program, including heat therapy, TENS, and therapeutic ultrasound, followed by group-specific VMO strengthening exercises. The intervention will be performed three times per week for 8 weeks.

Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention and will include pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), functional performance (WOMAC, 30-second sit-to-stand test, and stair test), and muscle architecture parameters measured by ultrasound imaging.

The results of this study are expected to provide evidence for optimizing rehabilitation strategies in individuals with PFPS.

Conditions

  • Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
  • Anterior Knee Pain

Interventions

OTHER

Isometric VMO Exercise

Isometric contractions of the vastus medialis oblique muscle will be performed with the knee supported at approximately 15° flexion, emphasizing maximal voluntary contraction without joint movement.

OTHER

Isotonic VMO Exercise

Participants will perform controlled concentric and eccentric contractions using ankle weights through a limited range of motion (0-30° knee extension).

OTHER

Eccentric VMO Exercise

Participants will perform eccentric contractions against resistance during knee flexion, with assisted concentric return to the starting position.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Firat University

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
50 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-05-20
Primary Completion
2026-06-20
Completion
2026-08-31

Countries

  • Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07562425 on ClinicalTrials.gov