Strength vs Power Training for Patellofemoral Pain

(STRIPE Trial)

Recruiting at 2 trial locations

Overseen By Neal Glaviano, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Connecticut

Disqualifiers: Other knee pain, Surgery, Subluxation, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 9

Duration: 6 weeks

88 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new exercise program called STRIPE for people with persistent knee pain. The program aims to build muscle strength and power to reduce pain and prevent it from coming back.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Is strength and power training for patellofemoral pain generally safe for humans?

The research articles reviewed do not provide specific safety data for strength and power training for patellofemoral pain, but they do discuss various rehabilitation methods for similar conditions, suggesting that exercise therapy is commonly used and generally considered safe for managing patellofemoral pain. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How does the STRIPE treatment differ from other treatments for patellofemoral pain?

The STRIPE treatment is unique because it combines traditional strength exercises with power-based exercises, which aim to improve muscle strength and function more effectively than strength exercises alone. This approach is novel as it targets not only muscle strength but also the speed and power of movements, potentially reducing the high recurrence rates seen with standard treatments. ^{5 6 7 8 9}

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Strength vs Power Training for Patellofemoral Pain?

Research shows that muscle strength exercises are effective for reducing pain and improving function in people with patellofemoral pain. Additionally, combining hip muscle strengthening with stretching has been shown to improve pain and function in similar conditions. ^{5 6 7 8 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Neal Glaviano, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Connecticut

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people aged 18-40 with patellofemoral pain that started on its own over 3 months ago and hurts at least a bit during activities like sitting long, jumping, or climbing stairs. It's not for those with other knee issues, history of knee cap dislocation, meniscus or ligament injuries, leg surgery, or pain from the lower back.

Inclusion Criteria

My symptoms started slowly over more than 3 months ago.

My worst pain was 3/10 last month when sitting long, jumping, squatting, kneeling, running, or using stairs.

Exclusion Criteria

I have had issues with my kneecap, meniscus, or ligaments.

I have had surgery on my leg or foot.

I have experienced pain that spreads from my lower back.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo a 6-week rehabilitation program with either the STRIPE or SOC protocol

6 weeks

3 visits per week (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

24 months

Assessments at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post-intervention

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Standard of Care Rehabilitation (SOC)
• Strength Training Rehabilitation Incorporating Power Exercises (STRIPE)

Trial Overview The study compares two 6-week rehab programs for knee pain: Standard of Care (SOC) vs. Strength Training with Power Exercises (STRIPE). It will check which program better reduces pain and prevents it from coming back while improving leg strength and squatting form.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Strength Training Rehabilitation Incorporating Power Exercises (STRIPE) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Those in the STRIPE group will complete two power and one strength training sessions a week. All participants will be provided an educational pamphlet and exercises will be divided into four components - hip abductors, hip extensors, core, and quadriceps muscles. The load magnitude will be greater than 60% of the 1RM, with the goal of continually loading against heavy resistance. Participants will complete 4 sets of 6 repetitions, with 3-5 minutes of rest between sets. Time under tension will be prescribed as \<1 second for the concentric phase and 1 second for the eccentric phase of the exercise. The strength training sessions will adhere to same parameters as the SOC. Hip abductor, hip extensor, and core exercises will be initiated during week 1 and continued for the 6-week intervention, while quadriceps focused exercises will be introduced in weeks 3-6.

Group II: Standard of Care (SOC) Active Control 1 Intervention

The SOC rehabilitation group will complete three strength sessions a week. All participants will be provided an educational pamphlet and exercises will be divided into four components - hip abductors, hip extensors, core, and quadriceps muscles. The load magnitude for exercises will be between 60-70% of their 1 repetition max (1RM), with 3 sets of 12 repetitions and a 2-3-minute rest between sets. Time under tension will be prescribed as slow to moderate, with a 2-second concentric phase and 2-second eccentric phase for each exercise. Hip abductor, hip extensor, and core exercises will be initiated during week 1 and continued for the 6-week intervention, while quadriceps focused exercises will be introduced in weeks 3-6.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Connecticut

Lead Sponsor

Trials

194

Recruited

162,000+

University of Central Florida

Collaborator

Trials

101

Recruited

1,191,000+

University of Toledo

Collaborator

Trials

8

Recruited

640+

Citations

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Electrical Stimulation Therapies for Active Duty Military with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Trial. [2021]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The efficacy of treatment of different intervention programs for patellofemoral pain syndrome--a single blinded randomized clinical trial. Pilot study. [2022]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Combined Hip Abductor and External Rotator Strengthening and Hip Internal Rotator Stretching Improves Pain and Function in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial With Crossover Design. [2022]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Strength Training Rehabilitation Incorporating Power Exercises (STRIPE) for individuals with patellofemoral pain: a randomised controlled trial protocol. [2023]

5. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Trunk, Hip and Knee Exercise Programs for Pain Relief, Functional Performance and Muscle Strength in Patellofemoral Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. [2022]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Eccentric treatment for patellar tendinopathy: a prospective randomised short-term pilot study of two rehabilitation protocols. [2022]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The additional effect of orthotic devices on exercise therapy for patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review. [2018]

8. Italy pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparing hip and knee focused exercises versus hip and knee focused exercises with the use of blood flow restriction training in adults with patellofemoral pain. [2023]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Patellar taping in the treatment of patellofemoral pain. A prospective randomized study. [2017]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Current management strategies for patellofemoral pain: an online survey of 99 practising UK physiotherapists. [2022]