A feasibility study of a novel, task-specific movement training intervention for women with patellofemoral pain

Objective: To investigate whether a novel, task-specific training intervention that focused on correcting pain-producing movement patterns was feasible and whether it would improve hip and knee kinematics, pain, and function in women with patellofemoral pain. Design: Prospective, non-randomized, within-group, double baseline, feasibility intervention study. Subjects: A total of 25 women with patellofemoral pain were enrolled. Intervention: The intervention, delivered 2×/week for six weeks, consisted of supervised, high-repetition practice of daily weight-bearing and recreational activities. Activities were selected and progressed based on participants’ interest and ability to maintain optimal alignment without increasing pain. Main measures: Primary feasibility outcomes were recruitment, retention, adherence, and treatment credibility (Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire). Secondary outcomes assessing intervention effects were hip and knee kinematics, pain (visual analog scale: current, average in past week, maximum in past week), and function (Patient-Specific Functional Scale). Results: A total of 25 participants were recruited and 23 were retained (92% retention). Self-reported average daily adherence was 79% and participants were able to perform their prescribed home program correctly (reduced hip and knee frontal plane angles) by the second intervention visit. On average, treatment credibility was rated 25 (out of 27) and expectancy was rated 22 (out of 27). Hip and knee kinematics, pain, and function improved following the intervention when compared to the control phase. Conclusion: Based on the feasibility outcomes and preliminary intervention effects, this task-specific training intervention warrants further investigation and should be evaluated in a larger, randomized clinical trial.