Patello Femoral Pain SyndromePFPS OEP CT HTNCT07293195
Adjunctive Effects of Heat vs Contrast Therapy With Otago Exercises on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
A study testing Heat therapy+Otago exercise program and Contrast therapy+ Otago exercise program in people with Patello Femoral Pain Syndrome and Patello Femoral Syndrome, run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the adjunctive effects of heat therapy and contrast therapy when combined with the Otago exercise program in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome aged 18 to 40 years. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Patello Femoral Pain Syndrome, Patello Femoral Syndrome, Patellofemoral Disorder
- What is being tested?
- Heat therapy+Otago exercise program and Contrast therapy+ Otago exercise program
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 10 Dec 2025to 12 May 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients aged 18-40 years experiencing pain in the front of the knee, including the peripatellar or retropatellar areas.
- Patient having pain severity a minimum value of 4-7 on the numeric pain rating scale.
- Participants presenting with anterior knee pain persisting for three months or longer.
- Pre- diagnosed patients with positive patellar compression and Grind tests.
- Patients with lateral patellar tracking.
Who cannot join
- Pain having a duration of less than three months or patients with previous knee surgeries.
- Recent engagement in structured lower-limb exercise or rehabilitation interventions.
- Patients with pregnancy, malignancy or any neurological dysfunctions.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Adjunctive Effects of Heat Versus Contrast Therapy With Otago Exercises on Pain, Swelling, Range of Motion and Functional Limitations in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the adjunctive effects of heat therapy and contrast therapy when combined with the Otago exercise program in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome aged 18 to 40 years. The study aims to assess whether these interventions can help reduce pain and swelling, improve knee range of motion, and decrease functional limitations associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Researchers will compare two groups one receiving heat therapy with the Otago exercise program and the other receiving contrast therapy with the Otago exercise program to see which approach provides greater improvement in outcomes. Participants will undergo regular supervised sessions that include the assigned thermal therapy and a structured set of Otago exercises targeting lower limb strength, balance, and mobility.
- Being tested
- Heat therapy+Otago exercise program, Contrast therapy+ Otago exercise program
- Keywords
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome, Heat Therapy, Contrast Therapy, Otago Exercise Program
- Medical subject headings
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Hyperthermia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Heat therapy+Otago exercise programOther
Also called Hot pack, Electrical Hot pack
Heat therapy is a non-surgical technique being recognized for its application in knee pain management. HT enhances blood flow, alleviates pain, and aids tissue repair. It have been effective in knee osteoarthritis but have yet to be fully explored for the treatment of PFPS.
Contrast therapy+ Otago exercise programOther
Contrast therapy (CT), a commonly used thermal treatment, is gaining attention as a non-invasive option for managing knee pain. By alternating between heat and cold, CT helps stimulate circulation, reduce swelling, and ease joint stiffness. While it has shown benefits in other knee conditions, its potential role in treating patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is still not well established.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental Group: Heat therapy with Otago exercises | Experimental | Heat Therapy:
* Frequency: 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks
* Intensity: Moderate heat
* Time: 15 minutes/session
* Type: Passive superficial heat via electrical hot pack
Otago Exercise Program:
* Frequency: 3 sessions/week supervised + daily home exercise for 4 weeks
* Intensity: 3 sets of 10 repetitions with weekly progression from Level 1 to Level 3 over 4 weeks
* Time: 30 minutes/session
* Type: Strengthening and balance exercises for lower limbs
Routine Physical Therapy (Medial Patellar Mobilization):
* Frequency: 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks
* Intensity: Gentle grade I/II mobilization
* Time: 3 sets of 10 repetitions
* Type: Passive sustained medial glides of patella Receives: Other: Heat therapy+Otago exercise program; Other: Contrast therapy+ Otago exercise program |
| Active Experimental Group: Contrast therapy with Otago exercises | Active comparator | Contrast Therapy:
* Frequency: 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks
* Intensity: Alternating heat and cold
* Time: 15 minutes/session (4 min heat + 1 min cold cycles)
* Type: Alternating heat and cold using standard electrical hot pack and cold gel pack
Otago Exercise Program:
* Frequency: 3 sessions/week supervised + daily home exercise for 4 weeks
* Intensity: 3 sets of 10 repetitions with weekly progression from Level 1 to Level 3 over 4 weeks
* Time: 30 minutes/session
* Type: Strengthening and balance exercises for lower limbs
Routine Physical Therapy (Medial Patellar Mobilization):
* Frequency: 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks
* Intensity: Gentle grade I/II mobilization
* Time: 3 sets of 10 repetitions
* Type: Passive sustained medial glides of patella Receives: Other: Heat therapy+Otago exercise program |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Swelling
Measured by a inelastic tape (Girth measurement)
Measured: 4 Weeks
Pain Intensity
Assessed by using the NPRS scale. 0-4 scored as No pain to mild pain 5-7 scored as Moderate pain 8-10 scored as Severe pain
Measured: 4 Weeks
Range Of Motion
Measured by a universal goniometer.
Measured: 4 Weeks
Secondary outcomes (1)
Functional limtations
The Lysholm scale is an 8-question survey initially developed to assess functional ability of knee following knee ligament injury. Subsequently, it was demonstrated to be valid for assessing patients with various knee pathologies. The scale measures multiple domains of knee function, including pain, dependence on supportive devices, instability, locking, joint swelling, gait abnormalities, stair climbing, and squatting ability
Measured: 4 Weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted19 Dec 2025
- Study start10 Dec 2025
- Primary completion10 May 2026
- Study completion12 May 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Patello Femoral Pain SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied SciencesThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Umber Nawaz, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07293195
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- LCPT/DPT/ERB/31
- Other IDs
- U1111-1332-0257
- Acronym
- PFPS OEP CT HT
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 6 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 27 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Will be shared after research publication
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 27 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Adjunctive Effects of Heat Versus Contrast Therapy With Otago Exercises on Pain, Swelling, Range of Motion and Functional Limitations in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07293195
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PFPS OEP CT HT / LCPT/DPT/ERB/31
- Keywords
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome, Heat Therapy, Contrast Therapy, Otago Exercise Program
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Lahore University of Biological and Applied SciencesUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 10 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 May 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 12 May 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 19 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the adjunctive effects of heat therapy and contrast therapy when combined with the Otago exercise program in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome aged 18 to 40 years. The study aims to assess whether these interventions can help reduce pain and swelling, improve knee range of motion, and decrease functional limitations associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Researchers will compare two groups one receiving heat therapy with the Otago exercise program and the other receiving contrast therapy with the Otago exercise program to see which approach provides greater improvement in outcomes. Participants will undergo regular supervised sessions that include the assigned thermal therapy and a structured set of Otago exercises targeting lower limb strength, balance, and mobility.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental Group: Heat therapy with Otago exercises | Experimental | Other: Heat therapy+Otago exercise program, Other: Contrast therapy+ Otago exercise programHeat Therapy: * Frequency: 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks * Intensity: Moderate heat * Time: 15 minutes/session * Type: Passive superficial heat via electrical hot pack Otago Exercise Program: * Frequency: 3 sessions/week supervised + daily home exercise for 4 weeks * Intensity: 3 sets of 10 repetitions with weekly progression from Level 1 to Level 3 over 4 weeks * Time: 30 minutes/session * Type: Strengthening and balance exercises for lower limbs Routine Physical Therapy (Medial Patellar Mobilization): * Frequency: 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks * Intensity: Gentle grade I/II mobilization * Time: 3 sets of 10 repetitions * Type: Passive sustained medial glides of patella |
| Active Experimental Group: Contrast therapy with Otago exercises | Active comparator | Other: Heat therapy+Otago exercise programContrast Therapy: * Frequency: 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks * Intensity: Alternating heat and cold * Time: 15 minutes/session (4 min heat + 1 min cold cycles) * Type: Alternating heat and cold using standard electrical hot pack and cold gel pack Otago Exercise Program: * Frequency: 3 sessions/week supervised + daily home exercise for 4 weeks * Intensity: 3 sets of 10 repetitions with weekly progression from Level 1 to Level 3 over 4 weeks * Time: 30 minutes/session * Type: Strengthening and balance exercises for lower limbs Routine Physical Therapy (Medial Patellar Mobilization): * Frequency: 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks * Intensity: Gentle grade I/II mobilization * Time: 3 sets of 10 repetitions * Type: Passive sustained medial glides of patella |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Patients aged 18-40 years experiencing pain in the front of the knee, including the peripatellar or retropatellar areas.
- Patient having pain severity a minimum value of 4-7 on the numeric pain rating scale.
- Participants presenting with anterior knee pain persisting for three months or longer.
- Pre- diagnosed patients with positive patellar compression and Grind tests.
- Patients with lateral patellar tracking.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Pain having a duration of less than three months or patients with previous knee surgeries.
- Recent engagement in structured lower-limb exercise or rehabilitation interventions.
- Patients with pregnancy, malignancy or any neurological dysfunctions.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Heat therapy+Otago exercise programAlso: Hot pack, Electrical Hot packHeat therapy is a non-surgical technique being recognized for its application in knee pain management. HT enhances blood flow, alleviates pain, and aids tissue repair. It have been effective in knee osteoarthritis but have yet to be fully explored for the treatment of PFPS. | Other | Active Experimental Group: Contrast therapy with Otago exercises, Experimental Group: Heat therapy with Otago exercises |
| Contrast therapy+ Otago exercise programContrast therapy (CT), a commonly used thermal treatment, is gaining attention as a non-invasive option for managing knee pain. By alternating between heat and cold, CT helps stimulate circulation, reduce swelling, and ease joint stiffness. While it has shown benefits in other knee conditions, its potential role in treating patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is still not well established. | Other | Experimental Group: Heat therapy with Otago exercises |
Primary outcome
Swelling
Time frame: 4 Weeks
Measured by a inelastic tape (Girth measurement)
Pain Intensity
Time frame: 4 Weeks
Assessed by using the NPRS scale. 0-4 scored as No pain to mild pain 5-7 scored as Moderate pain 8-10 scored as Severe pain
Range Of Motion
Time frame: 4 Weeks
Measured by a universal goniometer.
1 secondary outcome
Functional limtations
Time frame: 4 Weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 27 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Will be shared after research publication
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Heat therapy+Otago exercise program and Contrast therapy+ Otago exercise program in people with Patello Femoral Pain Syndrome and Patello Femoral Syndrome, run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Swelling (time frame: 4 Weeks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 27 Aug 2026.