Knee DiscomfortNCT07438561
Hold-relax and Muscle Energy Techniques in Patients With Post-traumatic Knee Stiffness
A study testing Hold-Relax Technique, Muscle Energy Technique and Standard Physical Therapy in people with Knee Discomfort, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The study was conducted to compare the effects of hold-relax and muscle energy technique on pain, range of motion an lower extremity function in patients with post-traumatic knee stiffness. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Knee Discomfort
- What is being tested?
- Hold-Relax Technique, Muscle Energy Technique and Standard Physical Therapy
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 68 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Jan 2025to 31 Oct 2025
- 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 35 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients who had fracture and treated either with POP or ORIF.
- Fracture healing completed.
- Both genders of age between 18-35.
- Conservative treatment of fracture with POP for minimum 6 weeks.
- NPRS more than or equal to 2.
Who cannot join
- Pathological fracture.
- Post-traumatic myositis ossificans.
- Ligamental or Meniscal tears.
- Any tumor in the knee region.
- Osteoarthritis.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Hold-relax and Muscle Energy Techniques on Pain, Range of Motion and Lower Extremity Function in Patients With Post-traumatic Knee Stiffness
The study was conducted to compare the effects of hold-relax and muscle energy technique on pain, range of motion an lower extremity function in patients with post-traumatic knee stiffness.
- Conditions
- Knee Discomfort
- Being tested
- Hold-Relax Technique, Muscle Energy Technique, Standard Physical Therapy
- Keywords
- Knee Stiffness, Range of motion, exercise, exercise therapy, muscle energy technique
- Medical subject headings
- Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Hold-Relax TechniqueOther
Hold-Relax: Patient was in prone position, therapist was on the affected site, the affected knee was bent to the available and pain free range at that range therapist applied pressure and held it for 8-10 seconds repeated for 10 times. 3 sessions per week for a total of 8 weeks.
Muscle Energy TechniqueOther
Muscle Energy Technique: Patient was in prone position, therapist was on the affected site, the affected knee was bent to the available and pain free range at that range therapist applied pressure and asked the patient to move his knee in extension against the resistance applied by therapist for 10 seconds. And then patient flexed his knee actively and process was repeated for 10 times. 3 sessions per week for a total of 8 weeks.
Standard Physical TherapyOther
- Hot packs were applied to patients for a period of 10 minutes.
- Mulligan mobilization techniques were performed on the knee joint.
- Knee isometrics were done.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Hold-Relax Technique | Experimental | Not described Receives: Other: Hold-Relax Technique; Other: Standard Physical Therapy |
| Muscle Energy Technique | Active comparator | Not described Receives: Other: Muscle Energy Technique; Other: Standard Physical Therapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Numeric Pain Rating Scale is a subjective measure using which patient's rate their pain. It consists of 11 points, having an overall score ranging from 0 to 10, where: 0, 1 - 3, 4 - 6, 7 - 10 represents no pain, mild, moderate and the most severe pain respectively
Measured: From enrollment to the end of the treatment at 8 weeks.
Universal Goniometer
Range of motion of joints are usually assessed by a device known as universal goniometer. meter has two arms stationary as well as movable arm. The Centre of the goniometer is known as fulcrum. Through goniometer in each plane joint ranges are measured.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of the treatment at 8 weeks.
Lower Extremity Function Scale (LEFS)
The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) is a 20-item self-report questionnaire assessing functionality in patients with knee and other lower limb disorders. Patients rate their difficulty with activities on a 0-4 scale (0=extreme difficulty/unable, 4=no difficulty), with a total score out of 80; higher scores indicate better function.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of the treatment at 8 weeks.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted27 Feb 2026
- Study start1 Jan 2025
- Primary completion31 Oct 2025
- Study completion31 Oct 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (7)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Knee DiscomfortStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe 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
- 68 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Ali Raza, MS-OMPT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07438561
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/24/01103
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 23 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 27 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Moradi MR. The effect of a muscle energy session on increasing knee extension in People with shortness of knee posterior muscles. National University. 2020
Xu L, Li J, Sheng Q, Wang G. Clinical Application of Muscle Energy Technique for Knee Function Recovery After Total Knee Arthroplasty. J Pain Res. 2025 Oct 14;18:5409-5416. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S537482. eCollection 2025.
PubMed 41114387Valenza MC, Torres-Sanchez I, Cabrera-Martos I, Valenza-Demet G, Cano-Cappellacci M. Acute Effects of Contract-Relax Stretching vs. TENS in Young Subjects With Anterior Knee Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Strength Cond Res. 2016 Aug;30(8):2271-8. doi: 10.1097/JSC.0000000000000215.
PubMed 27457916Nazary-Moghadam S, Yahya-Zadeh A, Zare MA, Ali Mohammadi M, Marouzi P, Zeinalzadeh A. Comparison of utilizing modified hold-relax, muscle energy technique, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization on hamstring muscle length in healthy athletes: Randomized controlled trial. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2023 Jul;35:151-157. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.04.079. Epub 2023 Apr 21.
PubMed 37330762Bhosale P, Kolke Pt S. Effectiveness of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and muscle energy technique (MET) on post-operative elbow stiffness: a randomized clinical trial. J Man Manip Ther. 2023 Oct;31(5):340-348. doi: 10.1080/10669817.2022.2122372. Epub 2022 Sep 28.
PubMed 36171728Balasundaram AP, Sreerama Rajan S. Short-term effects of mobilisation with movement in patients with post-traumatic stiffness of the knee joint. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2018 Apr;22(2):498-501. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2017.06.007. Epub 2017 Jun 15.
PubMed 29861257Khan T, Rizvi MR, Sharma A, Ahmad F, Hasan S, Uddin S, Sidiq M, Ammari A, Iqbal A, Alghadir AH. Assessing muscle energy technique and foam roller self-myofascial release for low back pain management in two-wheeler riders. Sci Rep. 2024 May 27;14(1):12144. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-62881-8.
PubMed 38802553
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 27 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Hold-relax and Muscle Energy Techniques on Pain, Range of Motion and Lower Extremity Function in Patients With Post-traumatic Knee Stiffness
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07438561
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/24/01103
- Conditions
- Knee Discomfort
- Keywords
- Knee Stiffness, Range of motion, exercise, exercise therapy, muscle energy technique
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 68 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Oct 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 27 Feb 2026 (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 study was conducted to compare the effects of hold-relax and muscle energy technique on pain, range of motion an lower extremity function in patients with post-traumatic knee stiffness.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Hold-Relax Technique | Experimental | Other: Hold-Relax Technique, Other: Standard Physical Therapy |
| Muscle Energy Technique | Active comparator | Other: Muscle Energy Technique, Other: Standard Physical Therapy |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Patients who had fracture and treated either with POP or ORIF.
- Fracture healing completed.
- Both genders of age between 18-35.
- Conservative treatment of fracture with POP for minimum 6 weeks.
- NPRS more than or equal to 2.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Pathological fracture.
- Post-traumatic myositis ossificans.
- Ligamental or Meniscal tears.
- Any tumor in the knee region.
- Osteoarthritis.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Hold-Relax TechniqueHold-Relax: Patient was in prone position, therapist was on the affected site, the affected knee was bent to the available and pain free range at that range therapist applied pressure and held it for 8-10 seconds repeated for 10 times. 3 sessions per week for a total of 8 weeks. | Other | Hold-Relax Technique |
| Muscle Energy TechniqueMuscle Energy Technique: Patient was in prone position, therapist was on the affected site, the affected knee was bent to the available and pain free range at that range therapist applied pressure and asked the patient to move his knee in extension against the resistance applied by therapist for 10 seconds. And then patient flexed his knee actively and process was repeated for 10 times. 3 sessions per week for a total of 8 weeks. | Other | Muscle Energy Technique |
| Standard Physical Therapy* Hot packs were applied to patients for a period of 10 minutes. * Mulligan mobilization techniques were performed on the knee joint. * Knee isometrics were done. | Other | Hold-Relax Technique, Muscle Energy Technique |
Primary outcome
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the treatment at 8 weeks.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale is a subjective measure using which patient's rate their pain. It consists of 11 points, having an overall score ranging from 0 to 10, where: 0, 1 - 3, 4 - 6, 7 - 10 represents no pain, mild, moderate and the most severe pain respectively
Universal Goniometer
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the treatment at 8 weeks.
Range of motion of joints are usually assessed by a device known as universal goniometer. meter has two arms stationary as well as movable arm. The Centre of the goniometer is known as fulcrum. Through goniometer in each plane joint ranges are measured.
Lower Extremity Function Scale (LEFS)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the treatment at 8 weeks.
The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) is a 20-item self-report questionnaire assessing functionality in patients with knee and other lower limb disorders. Patients rate their difficulty with activities on a 0-4 scale (0=extreme difficulty/unable, 4=no difficulty), with a total score out of 80; higher scores indicate better function.
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 Feb 2026.
- BackgroundMoradi MR. The effect of a muscle energy session on increasing knee extension in People with shortness of knee posterior muscles. National University. 2020
- Background: PubMed 41114387Xu L, Li J, Sheng Q, Wang G. Clinical Application of Muscle Energy Technique for Knee Function Recovery After Total Knee Arthroplasty. J Pain Res. 2025 Oct 14;18:5409-5416. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S537482. eCollection 2025.
- Background: PubMed 27457916Valenza MC, Torres-Sanchez I, Cabrera-Martos I, Valenza-Demet G, Cano-Cappellacci M. Acute Effects of Contract-Relax Stretching vs. TENS in Young Subjects With Anterior Knee Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Strength Cond Res. 2016 Aug;30(8):2271-8. doi: 10.1097/JSC.0000000000000215.
- Background: PubMed 37330762Nazary-Moghadam S, Yahya-Zadeh A, Zare MA, Ali Mohammadi M, Marouzi P, Zeinalzadeh A. Comparison of utilizing modified hold-relax, muscle energy technique, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization on hamstring muscle length in healthy athletes: Randomized controlled trial. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2023 Jul;35:151-157. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.04.079. Epub 2023 Apr 21.
- Background: PubMed 36171728Bhosale P, Kolke Pt S. Effectiveness of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and muscle energy technique (MET) on post-operative elbow stiffness: a randomized clinical trial. J Man Manip Ther. 2023 Oct;31(5):340-348. doi: 10.1080/10669817.2022.2122372. Epub 2022 Sep 28.
- Background: PubMed 29861257Balasundaram AP, Sreerama Rajan S. Short-term effects of mobilisation with movement in patients with post-traumatic stiffness of the knee joint. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2018 Apr;22(2):498-501. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2017.06.007. Epub 2017 Jun 15.
- Background: PubMed 38802553Khan T, Rizvi MR, Sharma A, Ahmad F, Hasan S, Uddin S, Sidiq M, Ammari A, Iqbal A, Alghadir AH. Assessing muscle energy technique and foam roller self-myofascial release for low back pain management in two-wheeler riders. Sci Rep. 2024 May 27;14(1):12144. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-62881-8.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
Ali Raza, MS-OMPT principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Hold-Relax Technique, Muscle Energy Technique and Standard Physical Therapy in people with Knee Discomfort, run by Riphah International University 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 5 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 Feb 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?
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) (time frame: From enrollment to the end of the treatment at 8 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?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07438561, which also lists 7 linked publications.
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 Feb 2026.