Patellofemoral Pain SyndromeAITR-PFPSNCT07775157
AI Based Telerehabilitation for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
A study testing AI Based Telerehabilitation and Conventional Physiotherapy in people with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome and Anterior Knee Pain Syndrome, run by University of Faisalabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common cause of anterior knee pain in young, active adults and is often aggravated by prolonged sitting, stair use, squatting, and running. Exercise-based physiotherapy is the standard first-line treatment, but access to regular in-person supervision can be limited. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Anterior Knee Pain Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- AI Based Telerehabilitation and Conventional Physiotherapy
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 48 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 24 Apr 2026to 7 Aug 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
- Age between 18 and 40 years.
- Body mass index 18.5-24.9 kg/m².
- Insidious (non-traumatic) onset of anterior knee pain, with positive Clark test.
- Pain during at least two of: running, jumping, squatting, kneeling, walking up/down stairs, or prolonged sitting.
- At least two positive clinical findings among apprehension test, patellar compression test, crepitus on compression, peripatellar tenderness, or pain on resisted knee extension.
- SNAPPS questionnaire score ≥6.
Show all 9Show fewer
- Sitting in the same position >4 hours/day for over a year.
- Knee pain for at least 1 month, with activity-related pain above mild on NPRS.
- Access to a mobile phone and internet.
Who cannot join
- Meniscal, ligamentous, or tendon injury of the knee.
- Patellar fracture, subluxation, or dislocation.
- Surgical or conservative treatment of the affected knee within the previous 6 months.
- Neuromuscular, metabolic, or rheumatologic disorder.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effectiveness and Useability of AI Based Telerehabilitation on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common cause of anterior knee pain in young, active adults and is often aggravated by prolonged sitting, stair use, squatting, and running. Exercise-based physiotherapy is the standard first-line treatment, but access to regular in-person supervision can be limited. This study compares two ways of delivering the same evidence-based exercise programme for PFPS: AI-based telerehabilitation, delivered remotely through the Physitrack platform with AI-assisted movement screening (MediaPipe), and conventional face-to-face physiotherapy. The study aimed to determine whether AI-based telerehabilitation is as effective as, or more effective than, conventional physiotherapy in reducing pain and improving physical function, and to evaluate how usable participants found the telerehabilitation platform
Read the detailed description
This randomized controlled trial enrolled 48 individuals with PFPS (mean age 29.48 ± 6.40 years, range 19-40; 28 female, 20 male), screened using a structured demographic/SNAPPS questionnaire and an AI based movement screen built on Google's MediaPipe pose-estimation model, which tracked angle of knee. Eligible participants were randomly allocated using the gold-fish-bowl method to the Telerehabilitation Group (n=24; mean age 29.33 ± 6.75, 16 female/8 male) or the Conventional Physiotherapy group (n=24; mean age 29.63 ± 6.16, 12 female/12 male). Both groups followed an identical exercise protocol delivered three times weekly for four weeks (12 sessions of approximately 40-45 minutes). The Telerehabilitation Group received the programme remotely via the Physitrack platform and PhysiApp, including video-guided exercises, an AI-enabled assistant, remote monitoring, and messaging with the treating physiotherapist. The Conventional Physiotherapy group received the identical exercise content face to face in a physiotherapy clinic under direct therapist supervision. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks: pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale, NPRS), knee function (Anterior Knee Pain/Kujala Scale, AKPS), knee-related quality of life (KOOS Patellofemoral Subscale, KOOS-PF), knee flexion/extension range of motion and quadriceps (Q) angle via goniometer, and for the telerehabilitation group only platform usability (Telehealth Usability Questionnaire, TUQ). Data were analyzed in SPSS version 22 using paired and independent-samples t-tests or their non-parametric equivalents as appropriate. All 48 randomized participants completed the trial with no dropout.
- Being tested
- AI Based Telerehabilitation, Conventional Physiotherapy
- Keywords
- Telerehabilitation, Artificial Intelligence, Mediapipe, Physitrack
- Medical subject headings
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
AI Based TelerehabilitationBehavioural
A structured PFPS exercise protocol delivered remotely through the Physitrack platform and PhysiApp, supported by an AI-enabled movement assistant for screening/feedback, video demonstrations, progress tracking, and secure messaging with the treating physiotherapist. 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks.
Conventional PhysiotherapyOther
The identical PFPS exercise protocol delivered face-to-face by a certified physiotherapist in a clinical setting, with direct supervision, real-time correction of technique, and verbal feedback. 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Telerehabilitation Group | Experimental | Participants (n=24) received a structured, evidence-based PFPS exercise programme delivered remotely via the Physitrack app, with an AI-enabled movement assistant, video-guided sessions, remote monitoring, and therapist messaging. 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks (12 sessions, ~40-45 min each). Receives: Behavioral: AI Based Telerehabilitation |
| Conventional Physiotherapy | Experimental | Participants (n=24) received the identical exercise programme delivered face-to-face in a physiotherapy clinic under direct supervision of a certified physiotherapist, with real-time correction and verbal feedback. 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks (12 sessions, ~40-45 min each). Receives: Other: Conventional Physiotherapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain Intensity
Measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), an 11-point scale where 0 = "no pain" and 10 = "worst imaginable pain".
Measured: Baseline (Session 1) and post-treatment (Week 4, after 12th session)
Functional disability
Measured using the Anterior Knee Pain Scale and Kujala Questionnaire (AKPS), a 13-item, 0-100 self-report measure of patellofemoral pain and function.
Measured: Baseline (Session 1) and post-treatment (Week 4, after 12th session)
Secondary outcomes (2)
Range of Motion
Active knee flexion, knee extension, and quadriceps (Q) angle measured with a universal goniometer.
Measured: Baseline (Session 1) and post-treatment (Week 4, after 12th session)
Telehealth Useability
Measured using the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ), a 21-item, 7-point measure of usefulness, ease of use, interface quality, reliability, and satisfaction.
Measured: Baseline (Session 1) and post-treatment (Week 4, after 12th session)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 Aug 2026
- Study start24 Apr 2026
- Primary completion7 Jul 2026
- Study completion7 Aug 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Patellofemoral Pain SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Model description
- This study followed a parallel-group randomized controlled design in which participants were allocated to one of two groups and remained in that group for the duration of the study. Both groups received conventional physiotherapy as standard care, while the experimental group received additional exteroceptive stimulation. Interventions were delivered concurrently over a four-week period, and outcomes were assessed at baseline and after completion of the intervention. No crossover between groups occurred.
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Faisalabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Muhammad Ateeb, PhD Public Health, Study chair, University of Faisalabad
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07775157
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2024-MS-PT-060
- Acronym
- AITR-PFPS
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 15 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 20 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Amirabadi N, Hessam M, Monjezi S et al. (2024) Effectiveness of telerehabilitation intervention to improve pain and physical function in people with patellofemoral pain syndrome: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 25(1): 195. Butt A, Niazi R, Jamil A et al. (2022) Prevalence of patellofemoral pain syndrome in females and its impact on daily activities. Rawal Medical Journal 47(2): 385. Bhatti SA, Waseem I, Akhtar M et al. (2022) Association of patellofemoral syndrome with prolonged duration of sitting among teachers: A cross sectional survey. Pakistan BioMedical Journal 5(5): 321-324. Hong QM, Wang HN, Liu XH et al. (2023) Home-based exercise program and health education in patients with patellofemoral pain: A randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 24(1): 896. Kasitinon D, Li W-X, Wang EXS et al. (2021) Physical examination and patellofemoral pain syndrome: An updated review. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine 14(6): 12-406. Kim JS, Kim YW, Woo YK et al. (2021) Validity of an artificial intelligence assisted motion analysis system using a smartphone for evaluating weight bearing activities in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Journal of Musculoskeletal Science and Technology 5(1): 34-40. Lee JH, Shin KH, Lee GB et al. (2023) Comparison of functional outcomes between supervised rehabilitation and telerehabilitation in female patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 20(3): 22-33. Moros I, Boutsikari EC, Plakoutsis G et al. (2025) Reliability and Validity Measures of the Patellofemoral Subscale KOOS-PF in Greek Patients with Patellofemoral Pain. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 10(1): 44. Nilmart P, Vongsirinavarat M, Khawsuwan P et al. (2024) Impact of telehealth based therapeutic exercise on pain, functional performance and dynamic knee valgus in young adult females with patellofemoral pain:
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 20 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effectiveness and Useability of AI Based Telerehabilitation on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07775157
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- AITR-PFPS / 2024-MS-PT-060
- Keywords
- Telerehabilitation, Artificial Intelligence, Mediapipe, Physitrack
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of FaisalabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 24 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 7 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 7 Aug 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 20 Aug 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.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common cause of anterior knee pain in young, active adults and is often aggravated by prolonged sitting, stair use, squatting, and running. Exercise-based physiotherapy is the standard first-line treatment, but access to regular in-person supervision can be limited. This study compares two ways of delivering the same evidence-based exercise programme for PFPS: AI-based telerehabilitation, delivered remotely through the Physitrack platform with AI-assisted movement screening (MediaPipe), and conventional face-to-face physiotherapy. The study aimed to determine whether AI-based telerehabilitation is as effective as, or more effective than, conventional physiotherapy in reducing pain and improving physical function, and to evaluate how usable participants found the telerehabilitation platform
Detailed description
This randomized controlled trial enrolled 48 individuals with PFPS (mean age 29.48 ± 6.40 years, range 19-40; 28 female, 20 male), screened using a structured demographic/SNAPPS questionnaire and an AI based movement screen built on Google's MediaPipe pose-estimation model, which tracked angle of knee. Eligible participants were randomly allocated using the gold-fish-bowl method to the Telerehabilitation Group (n=24; mean age 29.33 ± 6.75, 16 female/8 male) or the Conventional Physiotherapy group (n=24; mean age 29.63 ± 6.16, 12 female/12 male). Both groups followed an identical exercise protocol delivered three times weekly for four weeks (12 sessions of approximately 40-45 minutes). The Telerehabilitation Group received the programme remotely via the Physitrack platform and PhysiApp, including video-guided exercises, an AI-enabled assistant, remote monitoring, and messaging with the treating physiotherapist. The Conventional Physiotherapy group received the identical exercise content face to face in a physiotherapy clinic under direct therapist supervision. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks: pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale, NPRS), knee function (Anterior Knee Pain/Kujala Scale, AKPS), knee-related quality of life (KOOS Patellofemoral Subscale, KOOS-PF), knee flexion/extension range of motion and quadriceps (Q) angle via goniometer, and for the telerehabilitation group only platform usability (Telehealth Usability Questionnaire, TUQ). Data were analyzed in SPSS version 22 using paired and independent-samples t-tests or their non-parametric equivalents as appropriate. All 48 randomized participants completed the trial with no dropout.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This study followed a parallel-group randomized controlled design in which participants were allocated to one of two groups and remained in that group for the duration of the study. Both groups received conventional physiotherapy as standard care, while the experimental group received additional exteroceptive stimulation. Interventions were delivered concurrently over a four-week period, and outcomes were assessed at baseline and after completion of the intervention. No crossover between groups occurred.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Telerehabilitation Group | Experimental | Behavioral: AI Based TelerehabilitationParticipants (n=24) received a structured, evidence-based PFPS exercise programme delivered remotely via the Physitrack app, with an AI-enabled movement assistant, video-guided sessions, remote monitoring, and therapist messaging. 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks (12 sessions, ~40-45 min each). |
| Conventional Physiotherapy | Experimental | Other: Conventional PhysiotherapyParticipants (n=24) received the identical exercise programme delivered face-to-face in a physiotherapy clinic under direct supervision of a certified physiotherapist, with real-time correction and verbal feedback. 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks (12 sessions, ~40-45 min each). |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (9 listed)
- Age between 18 and 40 years.
- Body mass index 18.5-24.9 kg/m².
- Insidious (non-traumatic) onset of anterior knee pain, with positive Clark test.
- Pain during at least two of: running, jumping, squatting, kneeling, walking up/down stairs, or prolonged sitting.
- At least two positive clinical findings among apprehension test, patellar compression test, crepitus on compression, peripatellar tenderness, or pain on resisted knee extension.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Meniscal, ligamentous, or tendon injury of the knee.
- Patellar fracture, subluxation, or dislocation.
- Surgical or conservative treatment of the affected knee within the previous 6 months.
- Neuromuscular, metabolic, or rheumatologic disorder.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| AI Based TelerehabilitationA structured PFPS exercise protocol delivered remotely through the Physitrack platform and PhysiApp, supported by an AI-enabled movement assistant for screening/feedback, video demonstrations, progress tracking, and secure messaging with the treating physiotherapist. 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks. | Behavioural | Telerehabilitation Group |
| Conventional PhysiotherapyThe identical PFPS exercise protocol delivered face-to-face by a certified physiotherapist in a clinical setting, with direct supervision, real-time correction of technique, and verbal feedback. 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks. | Other | Conventional Physiotherapy |
Primary outcome
Pain Intensity
Time frame: Baseline (Session 1) and post-treatment (Week 4, after 12th session)
Measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), an 11-point scale where 0 = "no pain" and 10 = "worst imaginable pain".
Functional disability
Time frame: Baseline (Session 1) and post-treatment (Week 4, after 12th session)
Measured using the Anterior Knee Pain Scale and Kujala Questionnaire (AKPS), a 13-item, 0-100 self-report measure of patellofemoral pain and function.
2 secondary outcomes
Range of Motion
Time frame: Baseline (Session 1) and post-treatment (Week 4, after 12th session)
Telehealth Useability
Time frame: Baseline (Session 1) and post-treatment (Week 4, after 12th session)
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 20 Aug 2026.
- Results publicationAmirabadi N, Hessam M, Monjezi S et al. (2024) Effectiveness of telerehabilitation intervention to improve pain and physical function in people with patellofemoral pain syndrome: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 25(1): 195. Butt A, Niazi R, Jamil A et al. (2022) Prevalence of patellofemoral pain syndrome in females and its impact on daily activities. Rawal Medical Journal 47(2): 385. Bhatti SA, Waseem I, Akhtar M et al. (2022) Association of patellofemoral syndrome with prolonged duration of sitting among teachers: A cross sectional survey. Pakistan BioMedical Journal 5(5): 321-324. Hong QM, Wang HN, Liu XH et al. (2023) Home-based exercise program and health education in patients with patellofemoral pain: A randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 24(1): 896. Kasitinon D, Li W-X, Wang EXS et al. (2021) Physical examination and patellofemoral pain syndrome: An updated review. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine 14(6): 12-406. Kim JS, Kim YW, Woo YK et al. (2021) Validity of an artificial intelligence assisted motion analysis system using a smartphone for evaluating weight bearing activities in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Journal of Musculoskeletal Science and Technology 5(1): 34-40. Lee JH, Shin KH, Lee GB et al. (2023) Comparison of functional outcomes between supervised rehabilitation and telerehabilitation in female patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 20(3): 22-33. Moros I, Boutsikari EC, Plakoutsis G et al. (2025) Reliability and Validity Measures of the Patellofemoral Subscale KOOS-PF in Greek Patients with Patellofemoral Pain. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 10(1): 44. Nilmart P, Vongsirinavarat M, Khawsuwan P et al. (2024) Impact of telehealth based therapeutic exercise on pain, functional performance and dynamic knee valgus in young adult females with patellofemoral pain:
- 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.
Muhammad Ateeb, PhD Public Health study chair
University of Faisalabad
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing AI Based Telerehabilitation and Conventional Physiotherapy in people with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome and Anterior Knee Pain Syndrome, run by University of Faisalabad 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 9 inclusion and 4 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 20 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?
Pain Intensity (time frame: Baseline (Session 1) and post-treatment (Week 4, after 12th session)). The study lists 2 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 NCT07775157, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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 20 Aug 2026.