Usability and Effectiveness of Tele-rehabilitation Interventions on Pain, Range of Motion and Quality of Life in Recreational Athletes With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial
This study is a randomized clinical trial designed to evaluate the usability and effectiveness of a tele-rehabilitation program in recreational athletes with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS). A total of 26 participants aged 18-35 years with unilateral PFPS will be randomly allocated into either a conventional physiotherapy group or a tele-rehabilitation group. Both groups will receive the same evidence-based exercise protocol comprising stretching, strengthening, balance, and functional exercises over a four-week period; however, the intervention group will perform the exercises remotely using the Physitrack mobile application with regular virtual supervision and progress monitoring, while the control group will receive face-to-face physiotherapy sessions. Primary outcome measures will include pain intensity assessed by the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), knee range of motion measured using a universal goniometer, and quality of life evaluated using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). The usability and patient satisfaction of the tele-rehabilitation platform will be assessed using the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ). The findings of this study will determine whether tele-rehabilitation is a feasible, user-friendly, and effective alternative to conventional physiotherapy for improving clinical outcomes and rehabilitation accessibility in recreational athletes with PFPS.
• Recreational athletes
• age between 18 and 35
• Males and females
• Unilateral Anterior knee pain between 3 to 6 on NPRS and retro patellar pain brought on by squatting, knee flexion, climbing, descending stairs, and extended sitting
• At least one month of knee pain
• Positive Apprehension test
• Can access the internet and smart phone
• Kujala questionnaire scale