Effectiveness of early telerehabilitation for people with patellofemoral pain in developed and developing countries: a multicentre randomized clinical trial

• Grant number: 24/11130-7
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: January 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Agreement: CONFAP - National Council of State Research Support Foundations ; Wallonie-Bruxelles International
• Principal Investigator: Ronaldo Valdir Briani
• Grantee: Ronaldo Valdir Briani
• Principal researcher abroad: Joachim Van Cant
• Institution abroad: Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) , Belgium
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: Presidente Prudente
• Associated researchers: Marina Cabral Waiteman
• Associated research grant: 22/06403-9 - A four-year, two-phase, multicenter prospective study of the incidence, associated factors, and efficacy of a prevention program for patellofemoral pain: The adult-PFP cohort, AP.GR

Abstract

Potential benefits of telerehabilitation are improved and earlier access to care. However, it is still not known whether early treatment via telerehabilitation can lead to greater clinical improvements of patients with patellofemoral pain (PFP) than usual delayed treatment. As telerehabilitation outcomes may differ by country and socioeconomic status, it is necessary to investigate the effectiveness of early treatment in the context of a higher income economy (Belgium) and an upper-middle income economy (Brazil), including patients' perception about telerehabilitation. As such, the aim of this research project is to determine the effectiveness of early telerehabilitation for people with PFP in developed and developing countries. A multicentre clinical trial will be conducted in Brazil and Belgium. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to either early telerehabilitation (i.e., start at 4 to 8 weeks of pain onset) or delayed telerehabilitation (i.e., start after 16 weeks of pain onset). Interventions delivered will be PFP education and a strengthening exercise and load management program for 12 weeks. Outcomes measures including self-reported pain, function, quality of life, kinesiophobia, and adherence will be measured at baseline, 12 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months follow up. Global rating of change will be measured at all follow-up assessments. Participants will also be qualitatively assessed via one-on-one semi-structured online interviews at intervention endpoint (i.e., 12 weeks). (AU)