AzTrials
AzTrials

Knee PainMKEPNCT07716163

Mikhled Knee Exercise Program With and Without Stecco Fascial Manipulation Effect in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

A study testing Mikhled Knee Exercises with Stecco Fascial Manipulation and Mikhled Knee Exercise Program (MKEP) in people with Knee Pain and Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

To compare the effects of the Mikhled Knee Exercise Program with and without Stecco Fascial Manipulation on pain, range of motion, and functional outcomes Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 25 to 45 years
What is being tested?
Mikhled Knee Exercises with Stecco Fascial Manipulation and Mikhled Knee Exercise Program (MKEP)
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
58 participants
Where
1 sitePakistan
Study dates
1 Jul 2026to 1 Sep 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

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 25 to 45 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Male and female participants between the ages of 25-45 years (16)
  • Diffused anterior knee pain for at least 8 weeks (16)
  • Pain exacerbated by climbing stairs, prolonged sitting, walking, running, squatting, knee flexion, and isometric quadriceps contraction (14).
  • Patients had never received Stecco fascial manipulation and MKEP before.

Who cannot join

  • Tendonitis
  • Osgood-Schlatter syndrome
  • OA
  • Fracture
  • Patellar sublaxation or dislocation
  • Previous history of surgery
Show all 10Show fewer
  • Meniscus or ligament damage
  • Heart diseases
  • Neurological deficits
  • Pregnancy

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Imran Amjad, PhD contact

03324390125

imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk

Pakistan1 site
  • Dr. Abid Harif Awan's Physiotherapy Clinic

    Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000

    Saba Rafiq, MS-OMPT, 03034045433, saba.rafiq@riphah.edu.pk

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

Official title: Comparative Effects of the Mikhled Knee Exercise Program With and Without Stecco Fascial Manipulation on Pain, Range of Motion, and Functional Outcomes in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

To compare the effects of the Mikhled Knee Exercise Program with and without Stecco Fascial Manipulation on pain, range of motion, and functional outcomes Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.

Read the detailed description

A study was conducted to assess the comparative effectiveness of the Mikhled Knee Exercise Program (MKEP) combined with ultrasound therapy and conventional physiotherapy combined with ultrasound therapy in managing patellofemoral arthritis. Thirty participants diagnosed with patellofemoral arthritis were randomly assigned to two groups: an MKEP group (n = 15) and a conventional therapy group (n = 15). The MKEP group received the Mikhled Knee Exercise Program along with ultrasound therapy, while the conventional group received traditional physiotherapy exercises with ultrasound therapy. Both groups underwent a 6-week intervention. Pain was assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and functional status was evaluated using the Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS) before and after treatment. The findings demonstrated that the Mikhled Knee Exercise Program combined with ultrasound therapy was more effective than conventional physiotherapy with ultrasound therapy in reducing pain and improving functional status among patients with patellofemoral arthritis.

A randomized study was conducted to determine the effects of the Mikhled Knee Exercise Program and quadriceps-based training in collegiate athletes with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Fifty-four participants were randomly allocated into two equal groups. During a four-week intervention, one group received the Mikhled Knee Exercise Program, whereas the other group underwent quadriceps-based training. Participants were assessed before and after treatment using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Kujala Patellofemoral Scale. The results indicated that the Mikhled Knee Exercise Program was more effective than quadriceps-based training in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

A randomized clinical trial was conducted to investigate the efficacy of Fascial Manipulation using the Stecco Method combined with muscle strengthening compared with muscle strengthening alone in patients with patellofemoral pain. Twenty-seven participants were randomly assigned to two groups. One group received supervised muscle strengthening along with Fascial Manipulation using the Stecco Method, whereas the other group received supervised muscle strengthening only. Pain was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), subjective function using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), and objective function using the Step Down Test. Assessments were performed before treatment, after completion of the intervention, and at one-month follow-up. The study demonstrated that combining Stecco Fascial Manipulation with muscle strengthening produced greater improvements than muscle strengthening alone.

A randomized comparative single-blind clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effects of ultrasound therapy, the Mikhled Knee Exercise Program, and their combination in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Sixty participants aged 20 years or younger were allocated into three groups: Mikhled Knee Exercise Program, ultrasound therapy, and Mikhled Knee Exercise Program combined with ultrasound therapy. Pain was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), general health was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire, and functional status was evaluated with the WOMAC questionnaire before and after treatment. The findings showed that combining the Mikhled Knee Exercise Program with ultrasound therapy resulted in greater pain reduction and functional improvement than either intervention alone.

Although the Mikhled Knee Exercise Program has demonstrated effectiveness in addressing muscular impairments associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome, limited evidence exists regarding its integration with fascial techniques such as the Stecco Fascial Manipulation Method. Most existing studies have evaluated exercise-based rehabilitation or fascial/manual therapy as independent interventions, with very few examining the combined therapeutic effects of both approaches. Therefore, further research is warranted to determine whether integrating the Mikhled Knee Exercise Program with Stecco Fascial Manipulation provides superior improvements in pain reduction, joint mobility, and functional outcomes in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Being tested
Mikhled Knee Exercises with Stecco Fascial Manipulation, Mikhled Knee Exercise Program (MKEP)
Keywords
Fascia, Manipulation, Pain, Patellofemoral pain, Range of motion
Medical subject headings
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Pain

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Mikhled Knee Exercises with Stecco Fascial ManipulationOther

    Intervention: Mikhled Knee Exercise Program (MKEP) Frequency: 3 sessions per week Duration: 6 weeks Session Duration: 30-45 minutes Supervision: Supervised by a physiotherapist Exercises: Wall slides, step-downs, eccentric decline squats, lateral step-ups, closed kinetic chain terminal knee extensions, single-leg stance with trunk rotation, and quadriceps isometric exercises Dosage: 2-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions per exercise Progression: Gradual increase in exercise intensity and difficulty based on participant tolerance and clinical progress.

    Intervention: Stecco Fascial Manipulation Frequency: 1-2 sessions per week (within the treatment session) Duration: 6 weeks Application Time: 10-15 minutes per session Provider: Performed by a trained physiotherapist Target Area: Centers of Coordination (CCs) in the fascia of the hip, thigh, and knee Technique: Manual fascial manipulation tailored to identified fascial restrictions

  • Mikhled Knee Exercise Program (MKEP)Other

    Intervention: Mikhled Knee Exercise Program (MKEP) Frequency: 3 sessions per week Duration: 6 weeks Session Duration: 30-45 minutes Supervision: Supervised by a physiotherapist Exercises: Wall slides, step-downs, eccentric decline squats, lateral step-ups, closed kinetic chain terminal knee extensions, single-leg stance with trunk rotation, and quadriceps isometric exercises Dosage: 2-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions per exercise Progression: Gradual increase in exercise intensity and difficulty based on participant tolerance and clinical progress.

Study groups in NCT07716163
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Mikhled Knee Exercises with Stecco Fascial ManipulationActive comparatorParticipants will receive the Mikhled Knee Exercise Program (MKEP) three times per week for 6 weeks under physiotherapist supervision. The program includes wall slides, step-downs, eccentric decline squats, lateral step-ups, terminal knee extensions, single-leg stance with trunk rotation, and quadriceps isometric exercises (2-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions), with progressive advancement based on individual tolerance. In addition, participants will receive Stecco Fascial Manipulation for 10-15 minutes, 1-2 times per week, targeting the Centers of Coordination (CCs) of the hip, thigh, and knee to improve fascial mobility, reduce pain, and enhance knee function.
Receives: Other: Mikhled Knee Exercises with Stecco Fascial Manipulation
Mikhled Knee Exercises Program (MKEP)ExperimentalParticipants in Group B will also perform the Mikhled Knee Exercise Program three times per week for six weeks, following the same structure and progression as Group A. This includes the same set of functional and strengthening exercises aimed at restoring proper patellar alignment and improving knee function, such as wall slides, step-downs, eccentric squats, lateral step-ups, closed-chain terminal knee extensions, single-leg stance with trunk rotation, and isometric quadriceps holds. Exercise intensity will begin at two sets of 10 repetitions and gradually increase to three sets of 15 repetitions, with resistance and complexity progressing over time based on the patient's response
Receives: Other: Mikhled Knee Exercise Program (MKEP)

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)

    It is a simple and widely used tool for assessing pain intensity, where patients rate their pain from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). It is highly reliable (ICC ranging from 0.87 to 0.96) and valid for assessing pain associated with knee injuries. It is sensitive to changes in pain levels over time, making it suitable for both baseline and follow-up assessments

    Measured: 6 weeks

  2. Range of Motion (Flexion) by Universal Goniometer

    It is a standard instrument to measure the knee joint's flexion angle. It is essential for evaluating knee mobility following injury or surgery. The tool has shown excellent reliability (ICC > 0.90) and good validity when used by trained clinicians. During measurement, the fulcrum is placed over the lateral epicondyle of the femur. The stationary arm is aligned with the lateral midline of the femur, pointing toward the greater trochanter, while the movable arm is aligned with the lateral midline of the fibula, pointing toward the lateral malleolus

    Measured: 6 weeks

  3. Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS)

    The Anterior Knee Pain Scale, also known as the Kujala Score, is a self-reported questionnaire used to evaluate functional limitations and pain in individuals with patellofemoral disorders. It includes 13 items assessing activities like walking, squatting, and running. For knee-related conditions, it demonstrates high reliability (ICC > 0.90) and strong content validity in both clinical and research settings

    Measured: 6 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted21 Jul 2026
  2. Study start1 Jul 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion1 Aug 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion1 Sep 2026 (estimated)

Resources

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
58 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07716163
Sponsor's protocol ID
REC/RCR & AHS/25/0130
Acronym
MKEP
Status last verified
Jul 2026
First submitted
16 Jul 2026
Last updated
21 Jul 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Mikhled Knee Exercises with Stecco Fascial Manipulation and Mikhled Knee Exercise Program (MKEP) in people with Knee Pain and Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, 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 4 inclusion and 10 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Jul 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?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Imran Amjad, PhD (03324390125, imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) (time frame: 6 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 21 Jul 2026.

Free account

Keep searching with a free account

You’ve used your 3 free searches for this session. Log in or create a free AzTrials account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in
MKEP Clinical Trial NCT07716163 | AzTrials