NCT07273110

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 36 (actual)
• Sponsor: Uğur Can Yalaki · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 45 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common cause of anterior knee pain and functional limitations in physically active individuals. Exercise-based rehabilitation is considered the primary treatment approach, yet a proportion of patients experience persistent symptoms. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive modality that may reduce pain through neuromodulation and tissue-level biological responses. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of ESWT on knee pain and function in adults with PFPS. Thirty-six participants aged 18-45 years were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Exercise, Exercise plus ESWT, or ESWT alone. The exercise program consisted of home-based hip and knee strengthening performed at least three times per week for four weeks. ESWT was administered as five radial shock wave sessions at five-day intervals around the peripatellar soft tissues. Outcomes included worst knee pain measured by the Visual Analogue Scale and functional status measured by the Kujala Patellofemoral Score at baseline, week 1, and week 8. All groups demonstrated significant improvements over time, with no significant differences between groups. The treatment was well tolerated. This trial was retrospectively registered after patient enrollment was completed.

Conditions

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Home-based Exercise Program	A structured home-based exercise program targeting hip and knee musculature. The program included warm-up, stretching, and progressive strengthening for the quadriceps, hip abductors, hip external rotators, and core stability muscles. Participants were instructed to perform the program at least three times per week for 4 weeks. Exercise progression and technique were explained individually. Adherence was monitored with weekly exercise diaries and telephone follow-up.
DEVICE	Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)	Five sessions of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy delivered at 5-day intervals using the Chattanooga Intelect® RPW device. Each session consisted of 2000 pulses at 1.8-2.0 bar pressure and 8 Hz frequency. Treatment was applied to the peripatellar soft tissues (medial and lateral retinaculum and infrapatellar fat pad), while avoiding direct application over the patellar tendon. Pressure was adjusted based on participant tolerance.

Timeline

• Start date: 2021-01-04
• Primary completion: 2021-07-05
• Completion: 2021-09-06
• First posted: 2025-12-09
• Last updated: 2025-12-09

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)