Questa pagina è stata tradotta automaticamente e l'accuratezza della traduzione non è garantita. Si prega di fare riferimento al Versione inglese per un testo di partenza.

Strain Counterstrain Versus Graston Technique for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (SCS-GRAS-PFPS)

10 maggio 2026 aggiornato da: Saman Bukish Cheema, Green International University

Immediate Effects of Strain CountetStrain Versus Graston Technique on Pain and Range of Motion in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trail.

This clinical trial compares the effects of Strain Counterstrain technique versus Graston Technique on pain and range of motion in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Adults with patellofemoral pain syndrome were included in this study. A total of 60 participants were divided into two groups with 30 patients in each group.

One group received Strain Counterstrain technique and the other group received Graston Technique. Pain was assessed using the Kujala Scoring System and functional status was measured using a substructural questionnaire. Range of motion was also evaluated before and after treatment.

The main goal of this study is to determine which technique is more effective in reducing pain and improving knee function in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Panoramica dello studio

Descrizione dettagliata

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by anterior knee pain, especially during activities like squatting, climbing stairs, or prolonged sitting. Conservative management through manual therapy is widely used, but comparative effectiveness of different techniques remains unclear.

This randomized clinical trial was designed to compare the effects of Strain Counterstrain (SCS) technique versus Graston Technique on pain intensity, knee range of motion, and functional status in patients diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

A total of 60 participants diagnosed with PFPS were recruited and randomly allocated into two equal groups, with 30 patients in each group. Group A received Strain Counterstrain technique, which involves passive positioning of the affected tissue to achieve a position of comfort and reduce tender point sensitivity. Group B received Graston Technique, an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) therapy that uses specialized stainless steel instruments to detect and treat soft tissue restrictions, scar tissue, and fascial adhesions around the knee.

The intervention period lasted for 12 weeks with 3 sessions per week. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Pain was evaluated using the Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale, also known as the Kujala Scoring System, which is a validated tool for PFPS. Functional status was assessed using a substructural questionnaire evaluating daily activities. Knee range of motion was measured using a standard goniometer.

The primary objective of this study is to determine whether Strain Counterstrain or Graston Technique provides superior outcomes in terms of pain reduction, improved range of motion, and enhanced functional capacity in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. The findings will help clinicians select the most effective manual therapy approach for managing PFPS.

Tipo di studio

Interventistico

Iscrizione (Effettivo)

60

Fase

  • Non applicabile

Contatti e Sedi

Questa sezione fornisce i recapiti di coloro che conducono lo studio e informazioni su dove viene condotto lo studio.

Luoghi di studio

    • Punjab Province
      • Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan, 54000
        • Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Department of Physical Therapy

Criteri di partecipazione

I ricercatori cercano persone che corrispondano a una certa descrizione, chiamata criteri di ammissibilità. Alcuni esempi di questi criteri sono le condizioni generali di salute di una persona o trattamenti precedenti.

Criteri di ammissibilità

Età idonea allo studio

  • Adulto

Accetta volontari sani

No

Descrizione

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Age 18-45 years.
  • Anterior or peripatellar knee discomfort reproduced by a minimum of two aggravating exercises (e.g., squatting, stairs, running, prolonged sitting).
  • No history of trauma.
  • On the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), pain severity is ≥3/10 at baseline.
  • Symptom duration ≥2 months.
  • Ability to understand instructions and provide informed consent (or parental consent for minors).

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Individuals who have had lower limb surgery within the previous 12 months
  • Existence of other knee pathologies (e.g., meniscal tear with locking, tibiofemoral osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis).
  • Skin infection, open wound, or dermatological condition at the treatment site.
  • Use of anticoagulants/bleeding disorders or recent corticosteroid injection within 3 months.
  • Receipt of manual therapy (SCS, IASTM/Graston) to the affected knee within the past 4 weeks.

Piano di studio

Questa sezione fornisce i dettagli del piano di studio, compreso il modo in cui lo studio è progettato e ciò che lo studio sta misurando.

Come è strutturato lo studio?

Dettagli di progettazione

  • Scopo principale: Trattamento
  • Assegnazione: Randomizzato
  • Modello interventistico: Assegnazione parallela
  • Mascheramento: Triplicare

Armi e interventi

Gruppo di partecipanti / Arm
Intervento / Trattamento
Sperimentale: Strain Counterstrain Group
Participants in this arm received Strain Counterstrain technique for patellofemoral pain syndrome. This technique involves identifying tender points and passively positioning the affected tissue to a position of comfort to reduce pain and muscle spasm. Treatment sessions were administered 3 times per week for 12 weeks. 30 participants were assigned to this group.
Strain Counterstrain is a manual therapy technique that involves identifying tender points in muscles and fascia. The therapist passively positions the patient's body to a position of comfort that reduces or eliminates the tenderness. This position is held for 90 seconds to allow neuromuscular reset, followed by slow return to neutral. The technique aims to reduce muscle spasm, normalize proprioceptive activity, and decrease pain in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Sessions were administered 3 times per week for 12 weeks.
Altri nomi:
  • SCS
  • Positional Release Therapy
Sperimentale: Graston Technique Group
Participants in this arm received Graston Technique, an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) therapy. This technique uses specialized stainless steel instruments to detect and treat soft tissue restrictions, scar tissue, and fascial adhesions around the knee. Treatment sessions were administered 3 times per week for 12 weeks. 30 participants were assigned to this group.
Graston Technique is an evidence-based form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM). It uses six specialized stainless steel instruments to scan, detect, and treat soft tissue lesions, scar tissue, and fascial restrictions. The instruments are used by trained clinicians to apply controlled microtrauma to affected areas around the knee, promoting tissue healing and remodeling. The goal is to break down adhesions, reduce pain, and improve range of motion and function in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Sessions were administered 3 times per week for 12 weeks.
Altri nomi:
  • IASTM
  • Mobilitazione dei tessuti molli assistiti da strumenti

Cosa sta misurando lo studio?

Misure di risultato primarie

Misura del risultato
Misura Descrizione
Lasso di tempo
Change in Pain and Function using Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale
Lasso di tempo: Baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention
The Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale, also known as Kujala Scoring System, was used to assess pain and functional limitations related to patellofemoral pain syndrome. This is a 13-item self-administered questionnaire evaluating symptoms such as pain during walking, stair climbing, squatting, running, and prolonged sitting. The total score ranges from 0 to 100 points, where 0 represents complete disability and 100 represents no disability. A higher score indicates less pain and better knee function. Change from baseline was calculated to determine treatment effectiveness.
Baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention

Misure di risultato secondarie

Misura del risultato
Misura Descrizione
Lasso di tempo
Change in Knee Range of Motion
Lasso di tempo: Baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention
Knee flexion and extension range of motion was measured using a standard universal goniometer. Active range of motion was recorded in degrees. Increased range of motion indicates improvement in knee function.
Baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention
Change in Functional Status
Lasso di tempo: Baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention
Functional status was assessed using a substructural questionnaire evaluating the impact of patellofemoral pain syndrome on daily activities such as walking, stair climbing, squatting, and prolonged sitting. Higher scores indicate better functional capacity.
Baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention

Collaboratori e investigatori

Qui è dove troverai le persone e le organizzazioni coinvolte in questo studio.

Studiare le date dei record

Queste date tengono traccia dell'avanzamento della registrazione dello studio e dell'invio dei risultati di sintesi a ClinicalTrials.gov. I record degli studi e i risultati riportati vengono esaminati dalla National Library of Medicine (NLM) per assicurarsi che soddisfino specifici standard di controllo della qualità prima di essere pubblicati sul sito Web pubblico.

Studia le date principali

Inizio studio (Effettivo)

2 novembre 2025

Completamento primario (Effettivo)

29 aprile 2026

Completamento dello studio (Effettivo)

5 maggio 2026

Date di iscrizione allo studio

Primo inviato

10 maggio 2026

Primo inviato che soddisfa i criteri di controllo qualità

10 maggio 2026

Primo Inserito (Effettivo)

15 maggio 2026

Aggiornamenti dei record di studio

Ultimo aggiornamento pubblicato (Effettivo)

15 maggio 2026

Ultimo aggiornamento inviato che soddisfa i criteri QC

10 maggio 2026

Ultimo verificato

1 maggio 2026

Maggiori informazioni

Termini relativi a questo studio

Piano per i dati dei singoli partecipanti (IPD)

Hai intenzione di condividere i dati dei singoli partecipanti (IPD)?

Descrizione del piano IPD

Only IPD used in the results publication will be shared.

Periodo di condivisione IPD

It will be available after the completion of the study.

Criteri di accesso alla condivisione IPD

Data requests should be sent to the corresponding author. Access will be granted to qualified researchers for approved research proposals. Data will be de-identified before sharing.

Tipo di informazioni di supporto alla condivisione IPD

  • STUDIO_PROTOCOLLO
  • LINFA
  • ICF
  • RSI

Informazioni su farmaci e dispositivi, documenti di studio

Studia un prodotto farmaceutico regolamentato dalla FDA degli Stati Uniti

No

Studia un dispositivo regolamentato dalla FDA degli Stati Uniti

No

Queste informazioni sono state recuperate direttamente dal sito web clinicaltrials.gov senza alcuna modifica. In caso di richieste di modifica, rimozione o aggiornamento dei dettagli dello studio, contattare register@clinicaltrials.gov. Non appena verrà implementata una modifica su clinicaltrials.gov, questa verrà aggiornata automaticamente anche sul nostro sito web .

Prove cliniche su Sindrome dolorosa femoro-rotulea

Prove cliniche su Strain Counterstrain

Sottoscrivi