Video Telehealth Gait Retraining for Running-Related Knee Pain

Evaluation of a Video Telehealth Gait Retraining Program Versus a Standard Exercise and Education Program for Patients With Running-Related Knee Pain

In this randomized control trial, participants with running-related knee pain will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Participants in the intervention group will receive a telehealth gait retraining intervention, an at-home exercise program, a return to running protocol, and standard physical therapy. Participants in the control group will receive an at-home exercise program, a return to running protocol, and standard physical therapy. Data will be collected before intervention, at 10-weeks, and at 14-weeks to determine efficacy of the intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Active Duty Soldier or Cadet between the ages of 18 to 60 years old
• Knee pain that occurs during and/or after running that was not due to a recent acute trauma (such as an accident or a fall) and that is a pain intensity of at least a '3' and no greater than a '7' on a numeric pain rating scale with '0' meaning "no pain" and '10' meaning the "worst possible pain"
• Fluent in speaking and reading English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently on an Army running limiting profile for something other than knee pain
• Presence of rheumatoid or neurological diseases
• Plans to deploy or permanent change of station (PCS) within 4 months
• Current lower extremity injury other than knee pain
• History of traumatic knee injury (such as a surgery, ligament tear, or meniscal tear)
• Current pregnancy
• Inability to perform 20 unassisted single leg heel raises on each leg
• A non-rearfoot strike pattern during running
• Showing signs of ligamentous instability, meniscus pathology, or knee effusion