Strength vs Power Training for Patellofemoral Pain
(STRIPE Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+2 other locations

Overseen byNeal Glaviano, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Connecticut

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This trial tests a new exercise program called STRIPE for people with persistent knee pain. The program aims to build muscle strength and power to reduce pain and prevent it from coming back.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for people aged 18-40 with patellofemoral pain that started on its own over 3 months ago and hurts at least a bit during activities like sitting long, jumping, or climbing stairs. It's not for those with other knee issues, history of knee cap dislocation, meniscus or ligament injuries, leg surgery, or pain from the lower back.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 18 and 40 years old.

My symptoms started slowly over more than 3 months ago.

My worst pain was 3/10 last month when sitting long, jumping, squatting, kneeling, running, or using stairs.

Exclusion Criteria

I have had issues with my kneecap, meniscus, or ligaments.

I have had surgery on my leg or foot.

I have experienced pain that spreads from my lower back.

+1 more

Participant Groups

The study compares two 6-week rehab programs for knee pain: Standard of Care (SOC) vs. Strength Training with Power Exercises (STRIPE). It will check which program better reduces pain and prevents it from coming back while improving leg strength and squatting form.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Strength Training Rehabilitation Incorporating Power Exercises (STRIPE)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

Those in the STRIPE group will complete two power and one strength training sessions a week. All participants will be provided an educational pamphlet and exercises will be divided into four components - hip abductors, hip extensors, core, and quadriceps muscles. The load magnitude will be greater than 60% of the 1RM, with the goal of continually loading against heavy resistance. Participants will complete 4 sets of 6 repetitions, with 3-5 minutes of rest between sets. Time under tension will be prescribed as \<1 second for the concentric phase and 1 second for the eccentric phase of the exercise. The strength training sessions will adhere to same parameters as the SOC. Hip abductor, hip extensor, and core exercises will be initiated during week 1 and continued for the 6-week intervention, while quadriceps focused exercises will be introduced in weeks 3-6.

Group II: Standard of Care (SOC)Active Control1 Intervention

The SOC rehabilitation group will complete three strength sessions a week. All participants will be provided an educational pamphlet and exercises will be divided into four components - hip abductors, hip extensors, core, and quadriceps muscles. The load magnitude for exercises will be between 60-70% of their 1 repetition max (1RM), with 3 sets of 12 repetitions and a 2-3-minute rest between sets. Time under tension will be prescribed as slow to moderate, with a 2-second concentric phase and 2-second eccentric phase for each exercise. Hip abductor, hip extensor, and core exercises will be initiated during week 1 and continued for the 6-week intervention, while quadriceps focused exercises will be introduced in weeks 3-6.