Esta página foi traduzida automaticamente e a precisão da tradução não é garantida. Por favor, consulte o versão em inglês para um texto fonte.

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

10 de maio de 2026 atualizado por: 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.

Visão geral do estudo

Descrição detalhada

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 de estudo

Intervencional

Inscrição (Real)

60

Estágio

  • Não aplicável

Contactos e Locais

Esta seção fornece os detalhes de contato para aqueles que conduzem o estudo e informações sobre onde este estudo está sendo realizado.

Locais de estudo

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

Critérios de participação

Os pesquisadores procuram pessoas que se encaixem em uma determinada descrição, chamada de critérios de elegibilidade. Alguns exemplos desses critérios são a condição geral de saúde de uma pessoa ou tratamentos anteriores.

Critérios de elegibilidade

Idades elegíveis para estudo

  • Adulto

Aceita Voluntários Saudáveis

Não

Descrição

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.

Plano de estudo

Esta seção fornece detalhes do plano de estudo, incluindo como o estudo é projetado e o que o estudo está medindo.

Como o estudo é projetado?

Detalhes do projeto

  • Finalidade Principal: Tratamento
  • Alocação: Randomizado
  • Modelo Intervencional: Atribuição Paralela
  • Mascaramento: Triplo

Armas e Intervenções

Grupo de Participantes / Braço
Intervenção / Tratamento
Experimental: 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.
Outros nomes:
  • SCS
  • Positional Release Therapy
Experimental: 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.
Outros nomes:
  • IASTM
  • Mobilização de tecidos moles assistida por instrumentos

O que o estudo está medindo?

Medidas de resultados primários

Medida de resultado
Descrição da medida
Prazo
Change in Pain and Function using Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale
Prazo: 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

Medidas de resultados secundários

Medida de resultado
Descrição da medida
Prazo
Change in Knee Range of Motion
Prazo: 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
Prazo: 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

Colaboradores e Investigadores

É aqui que você encontrará pessoas e organizações envolvidas com este estudo.

Datas de registro do estudo

Essas datas acompanham o progresso do registro do estudo e os envios de resumo dos resultados para ClinicalTrials.gov. Os registros do estudo e os resultados relatados são revisados ​​pela National Library of Medicine (NLM) para garantir que atendam aos padrões específicos de controle de qualidade antes de serem publicados no site público.

Datas Principais do Estudo

Início do estudo (Real)

2 de novembro de 2025

Conclusão Primária (Real)

29 de abril de 2026

Conclusão do estudo (Real)

5 de maio de 2026

Datas de inscrição no estudo

Enviado pela primeira vez

10 de maio de 2026

Enviado pela primeira vez que atendeu aos critérios de CQ

10 de maio de 2026

Primeira postagem (Real)

15 de maio de 2026

Atualizações de registro de estudo

Última Atualização Postada (Real)

15 de maio de 2026

Última atualização enviada que atendeu aos critérios de controle de qualidade

10 de maio de 2026

Última verificação

1 de maio de 2026

Mais Informações

Termos relacionados a este estudo

Plano para dados de participantes individuais (IPD)

Planeja compartilhar dados de participantes individuais (IPD)?

SIM

Descrição do plano IPD

Only IPD used in the results publication will be shared.

Prazo de Compartilhamento de IPD

It will be available after the completion of the study.

Critérios de acesso de compartilhamento 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 de informação de suporte de compartilhamento de IPD

  • PROTOCOLO DE ESTUDO
  • SEIVA
  • CIF
  • CSR

Informações sobre medicamentos e dispositivos, documentos de estudo

Estuda um medicamento regulamentado pela FDA dos EUA

Não

Estuda um produto de dispositivo regulamentado pela FDA dos EUA

Não

Essas informações foram obtidas diretamente do site clinicaltrials.gov sem nenhuma alteração. Se você tiver alguma solicitação para alterar, remover ou atualizar os detalhes do seu estudo, entre em contato com register@clinicaltrials.gov. Assim que uma alteração for implementada em clinicaltrials.gov, ela também será atualizada automaticamente em nosso site .

Se inscrever