Neurodynamic test in patellofemoral pain syndrome
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN12473526 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN12473526 |
| Protocol serial number | N/A |
| Sponsor | Norwegian Fund for Postgraduate Training in Physiotherapy (Norway) |
| Funder | Norwegian Fund for Postgraduate Training in Physiotherapy (Norway) |
- Submission date
- 21/04/2015
- Registration date
- 20/05/2015
- Last edited
- 14/05/2019
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Musculoskeletal Diseases
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common disorder which describes pain in the front of the knee and around the kneecap. PFPS is sometimes called ‘runner’s knee’ or ‘jumper’s knee’ because it’s common in people who play sports. PFPS is most common in females and young adults. People with PFPS experience pain around the knee during both rest and physical activity. Triggers of pain include bending the knee, using stairs or taking part in sports or exercise. There is little agreement on the causes of PFPS, but it is thought to be caused by a misalignment within the knee and putting too much weight on the knee joint and surrounding area. Another explanation for the cause of PFPS is that the pain is caused by an irritated nerve located in either the lower back or possibly the thigh. The aim of this study is to gain a better understanding of PFPS and its causes. Patients diagnosed with PFPS in one knee will be tested for signs of altered nerve sensitivity in the affected knee compared to their unaffected knee. The results of this study might help shed light on the causes of PFPS.
Who can participate?
Adults having physiotherapy for PFPS.
What does the study involve?
Participants have a thorough screening examination to assess their condition and complete questionnaires. A physiotherapist carries out two movement tests on both knees and assesses pain levels using an established scoring system. The session takes around 90 minutes and is carried out in the physiotherapy clinic.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
A benefit of taking part in this study is that all participants will have a thorough assessment of their knee problems. There are no specific risks to participants.
Where is the study run from?
Hans & Olaf Physiotherapy Centre (Hans & Olaf Fysioterapi) (Norway)
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
January 2010 to October 2010
Who is funding the study?
Norwegian Fund for Postgraduate Training in Physiotherapy (Norway)
Who is the main contact?
Ms K Vegstein
Contact information
Scientific
Lysaker Manuellterapi
PO Box 24
Lysaker
1324
Norway
Study information
| Primary study design | Observational |
|---|---|
| Study design | Cross sectional pilot study |
| Secondary study design | Cross sectional study |
| Study type | Participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | Neurodynamic test in patellofemoral pain syndrome: a pilot study |
| Study objectives | Is there increased mechanosensitivity in the femoral nerve in patients with unilateral PFPS (patellofemoral pain syndrome)? |
| Ethics approval(s) | 1. University of Bergen, 2010. 2.REK (Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics), Norway. |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Patellofemoral pain syndrome |
| Intervention | Neurodynamic testing of the femoral nerve: 1. Butler prone knee bend (PKB) test 2. Butler slump knee bend (SKB) test 3. Maitland Posterior- Anterior (PA) unilateral movement. test for lumbar segmental pain |
| Intervention type | Other |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
Levels of pain experienced during neurodynamic testing, assessed using a numeric pain scoring system. |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
PA unilateral test to investigate whether patients suffer from back pain on the PFPS affected side. |
| Completion date | 31/10/2010 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Patient |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 12 |
| Total final enrolment | 12 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Adults aged 18–44 diagnosed with unilateral PFPS 2. Patients with a pain history of more than 3 months (i.e. chronic pain) and which is experienced during rest and/or during physical (e.g. pain when doing knee bends, using stairs or taking part in sports or exercise activities). 3. Patients able to carry out normal daily activities |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. Patients with known intraarticular disorders or other systemic pathological conditions 2. Patients who have undergone previous surgery or suffered knee trauma in the affected leg 3. Patients who have received knee injections within 3 months of taking part in the trial |
| Date of first enrolment | 01/05/2010 |
| Date of final enrolment | 30/08/2010 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- Norway
Study participating centre
Oslo
0181
Norway
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | Yes |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Available on request |
| IPD sharing plan |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Results article | results | 08/05/2019 | 14/05/2019 | Yes | No |
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
Editorial Notes
14/05/2019: Publication reference and total final enrolment added.
