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Corticosteroid

Brain Stimulation for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

N/A
Recruiting
Led By Kai Yu Ho, PhD
Research Sponsored by University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Age between 18 and 45 years old
Knee caves in when performing functional movements
Must not have
History of knee injury or surgery
History of seizures and/or taking anti-seizure medication
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up up to 5 years
Awards & highlights

Summary

This trial aimed to see if using a type of brain stimulation paired with exercise can help reduce the amount the knee caves in during activities in individuals with Patellofemoral Pain (PFP). The

Who is the study for?
This trial is for individuals with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFP), which often causes knee pain and discomfort. Participants should be experiencing knee caving in during physical activities. The study is not suitable for those who cannot safely receive transcranial direct current stimulation or exercise therapy.
What is being tested?
The trial tests if using a brain-stimulating device called a transcranial direct current stimulator (tDCS) can improve how the hip muscles work to prevent the knee from caving in when paired with exercise, compared to just doing exercises alone.
What are the potential side effects?
While tDCS is generally considered safe, potential side effects may include mild tingling, itching or irritation on the scalp where electrodes are placed, fatigue, headache, nausea or discomfort.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I am between 18 and 45 years old.
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My knee buckles during activities like walking or climbing stairs.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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I have had a knee injury or surgery in the past.
Select...
I have a history of seizures or am on anti-seizure medication.
Select...
I do not have pain in my kneecap.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~up to 5 years
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and up to 5 years for reporting.

Treatment Details

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Group I: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: ShamPlacebo Group1 Intervention

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Who is running the clinical trial?

University of Nevada, Las VegasLead Sponsor
70 Previous Clinical Trials
13,938 Total Patients Enrolled
Kai Yu Ho, PhDPrincipal InvestigatorUNLV
~32 spots leftby Apr 2025