NCT07293195

Adjunctive Effects of Heat vs Contrast Therapy With Otago Exercises on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Adjunctive Effects of Heat Versus Contrast Therapy With Otago Exercises on Pain, Swelling, Range of Motion and Functional Limitations in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 40 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the adjunctive effects of heat therapy and contrast therapy when combined with the Otago exercise program in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome aged 18 to 40 years. The study aims to assess whether these interventions can help reduce pain and swelling, improve knee range of motion, and decrease functional limitations associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Researchers will compare two groups one receiving heat therapy with the Otago exercise program and the other receiving contrast therapy with the Otago exercise program to see which approach provides greater improvement in outcomes. Participants will undergo regular supervised sessions that include the assigned thermal therapy and a structured set of Otago exercises targeting lower limb strength, balance, and mobility.

Conditions

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Heat therapy+Otago exercise program	Heat therapy is a non-surgical technique being recognized for its application in knee pain management. HT enhances blood flow, alleviates pain, and aids tissue repair. It have been effective in knee osteoarthritis but have yet to be fully explored for the treatment of PFPS.
OTHER	Contrast therapy+ Otago exercise program	Contrast therapy (CT), a commonly used thermal treatment, is gaining attention as a non-invasive option for managing knee pain. By alternating between heat and cold, CT helps stimulate circulation, reduce swelling, and ease joint stiffness. While it has shown benefits in other knee conditions, its potential role in treating patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is still not well established.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-12-10
• Primary completion: 2026-05-24
• Completion: 2026-05-24
• First posted: 2025-12-19
• Last updated: 2025-12-19