This study is a randomized clinical trial designed to evaluate the usability and effectiveness of a tele-rehabilitation program in recreational athletes with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS). A total of 26 participants aged 18-35 years with unilateral PFPS will be randomly allocated into either a conventional physiotherapy group or a tele-rehabilitation group. Both groups will receive the same evidence-based exercise protocol comprising stretching, strengthening, balance, and functional exercises over a four-week period; however, the intervention group will perform the exercises remotely using the Physitrack mobile application with regular virtual supervision and progress monitoring, while the control group will receive face-to-face physiotherapy sessions. Primary outcome measures will include pain intensity assessed by the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), knee range of motion measured using a universal goniometer, and quality of life evaluated using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). The usability and patient satisfaction of the tele-rehabilitation platform will be assessed using the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ). The findings of this study will determine whether tele-rehabilitation is a feasible, user-friendly, and effective alternative to conventional physiotherapy for improving clinical outcomes and rehabilitation accessibility in recreational athletes with PFPS.
Recreational athletes
age between 18 and 35
Males and females
Unilateral Anterior knee pain between 3 to 6 on NPRS and retro patellar pain brought on by squatting, knee flexion, climbing, descending stairs, and extended sitting
Knee meniscus, ligament, and tendon injuries
Knee effusion
Dislocation of the patella, subluxation, and fractures
Recent Surgery or fracture of the affected knee
Parallel
Conventional Physical Therapy
Other interventionParticipants will receive supervised face-to-face physiotherapy for 4 weeks (2 sessions/week). The program will include stretching (hamstrings, quadriceps, IT band, gastrocnemius), strengthening exercises (quadriceps and hip muscles), functional exercises (mini-squats, squats, lunges), and balance training (single-leg stance and heel raises). Exercises will be progressed according to participant tolerance under the supervision of a physiotherapist.
Tele-rehabilitation
Other interventionParticipants will receive a 4-week tele-rehabilitation program (2 sessions/week) delivered through the Physitrack® mobile application. The intervention will include the same standardized stretching, strengthening, functional, and balance exercises as the conventional physiotherapy group. Participants will receive individualized exercise prescriptions, instructional videos, automated reminders, and remote monitoring through the application. A physiotherapist will provide weekly telephone or video-call follow-up, monitor adherence, and progress the exercise program based on the participant's performance.
Pain Intensity
Measured by NPRS ( Numerical Pain Rating Scale)
Range of Motion
ROM of Flexion of affected knee by Universal Goniometer
Quality of Life in Recreational Athletes
Quality of Life is assessed through KOOS (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score)
Telehealth Usability
It is measured by Telehealth Usability Questionnaire
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