NCT07176819

Effectiveness of Gait Retraining in Female Runners With Patellofemoral Pain

Effectiveness of Gait Retraining in Female Runners With Patellofemoral Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 44 (actual)
• Sponsor: Beijing Sport University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years – 45 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is the most common running-related overuse injury, with prevalence up to 17% among runners. Increased patellofemoral joint stress (PFJS) is a major biomechanical contributor to PFP. Traditional strengthening exercises improve function but do not alter running biomechanics. Gait retraining, particularly cadence modification, has been proposed as a promising approach to reduce PFJS and alleviate symptoms. However, evidence from randomized controlled trials remains limited. This study investigates whether wearable device-assisted gait retraining reduces pain, improves function, and modifies running biomechanics in female runners with PFP compared to education alone.

Conditions

• Patellofemoral Pain, PFP

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Gait retraining	The intervention is a wearable device-assisted gait retraining program designed specifically for female runners with patellofemoral pain (PFP). Unlike conventional physiotherapy or exercise-based interventions, this program integrates real-time biofeedback through a commercially available smartwatch and its mobile application. Participants are instructed to increase their step rate by 10% above their preferred cadence. The smartwatch provides auditory metronome cues and real-time cadence feedback to ensure accurate step-rate modification.
BEHAVIORAL	Education	PFP education, load management strategies, symptom-based training modifications, and strengthening exercises.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-02-21
• Primary completion: 2023-12-23
• Completion: 2023-12-23
• First posted: 2025-09-16
• Last updated: 2025-09-16

Locations

1 site across 1 country: China