Relationship Between Knee Pain And Proprioception During Single Leg Squat In Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PPS)

This study will be conducted to investigate the relationship between knee joint pain intensity and joint position sense accuracy in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) in a single-leg squat position.

Study Overview

• Status: Not yet recruiting
• Conditions: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: patellofemoral pain syndrome patients

Detailed Description

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most prevalent knee problems that interfere with everyday activities and function. The prevalence of Patellofemoral pain syndrome varies, affecting between 22% and 40% of the general population and up to 70% in athletes engaged in running and jumping sports, with a higher incidence reported among females and individuals aged 15-30 years.Impaired proprioception and balance are recognized as intrinsic components in the etiology of PFPS, and research shows that PFPS patients have severe abnormalities in these domains when compared to healthy controls, particularly when performing dynamic tasks. The impaired balance and proprioception are hypothesized to result from altered neuromuscular control, decreased muscle strength, or changes in sensory feedback, which are crucial for maintaining stability and control over movements.The correlation between proprioceptive deficits and PFPS highlights the significance of including balance and proprioception-focused interventions in the PFPS treatment plan, as these can greatly enhance pain, function, and quality of life for those who are impacted. Addressing these deficits may not only improve symptoms associated with PFPS but also reduce the risk of further injury and enhance overall knee function.

To the best of the authors' knowledge, no previous study has specifically correlated knee JPS in a WB position (single-leg squat position) with PFPS. Thus, findings of this study might enhance the evidence-based clinical decisions made by the physical therapists regarding the management of PFPS, justifying for the patients the value of integrating proprioceptive and motor control training alongside traditional strengthening programs to improve functional outcomes. By addressing the neuromuscular factors linked to pain, rehabilitation strategies can become more precise and function-oriented, ultimately improving quality of life and physical performance.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Estimated): 82

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: esraa el-sayed, master; Phone Number: 01158527892; Email: esraabastawi@gmail.com

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

eighty two patellofemoral pain syndrome had Positive eccentric step test,Anterior or retropatellar knee pain present during at least two of the following - ascending/descending stairs, hopping/running, squatting, kneeling and prolonged sitting and Pain on palpation of patellar facets. their ages between 18-35 years old.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ranges from 18-35 years
• BMI ranges from 18-25 kg/m2
• Positive eccentric step test
• Anterior or retropatellar knee pain present during at least two of the following - ascending/descending stairs, hopping/running, squatting, kneeling and prolonged sitting
• Pain on palpation of patellar facets
• Insidious onset of symptoms vague and non-localized pain at anterior of knee for at least three months ( unrelated to a traumatic incident.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Knee pain is more than 6 score on ANPRS.
• History of traumatic patellar dislocation or subluxation
• Osteoarthritis in the knee, ankle or hip joints, injury of cruciate ligaments or menisci
• Previous orthopedic disorders or neurologic deficit of the lower limbs, any sensory problems, leg length discrepancy, neuromuscular disease like multiple sclerosis
• Athletic patients.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

1

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort	Intervention / Treatment
patellofemoral pain syndrome patients; Eighty-two patellofemoral pain syndrome patients will be included in this group. their ages range from 18 to 35 years old, with body mass index 18-25 kg/cm2	Other: patellofemoral pain syndrome patients; eighty two patellofemoral pain syndrome had Positive eccentric step test,Anterior or retropatellar knee pain present during at least two of the following - ascending/descending stairs, hopping/running, squatting, kneeling and prolonged sitting and Pain on palpation of patellar facets. their ages between 18-35 years old.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
pain intensity	nemerial pain rating scale will be used to assess pain intensity. It comprises of 11 point ''horizontal scale'' of 0-10 in Arabic numerals anchored by the two ends, the left (0 indicating no pain at all) and right (10 indicating the worst ).	up to one day
knee disability	The Arabic version of the Kujala patellofemoral pain scoring system is a questionnaire to assess the patient with PFP. It includes 13 points based on the following factors: presence of a limp, need for support, walking ability, stair climbing, squatting, running, jumping, prolonged sitting with knees flexed, pain, swelling, abnormal painful kneecap movement, atrophy of the thigh, and flexion deficiency. Each question has multiple answers with points reflecting the severity of symptoms and level of functional limitation. Each question is assigned a score of either up to 5 or 10, and the total score for the Kujala questionnaire is 100. The higher the score, the better the function	up to one day
knee joint position error (knee joint proprioception)	Digital-goniometer will be used to assess joint position error.the digital-goniometer will be attached to the knee joint in the neutral knee position. The fixed arm will be placed in parallel to an imaginary line between the head of the fibula and the lateral malleolus. The movable arm will be placed in parallel to an imaginary line between the greater trochanter and the lateral condyle of the femur. The digital-goniometer will be zeroed when the subject is standing motionless in the anatomic position. To prevent slippage during knee joint motion, the end blocks will be adhered to the tested leg with double-sided adhesive tape and further secured in place with adhesive tape. Digital-goniometer readings records knee joint angular displacements relative to zero	up to one day

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Cairo University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Estimated): July 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): November 20, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): November 20, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: June 6, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: June 6, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): June 11, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): June 11, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: June 6, 2026
• Last Verified: June 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Knee Pain; Proprioception; Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome; Single Leg Squat
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases; Joint Diseases; Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
• Other Study ID Numbers: P.T.REC/012/006507

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No