Effectiveness of Gait Retraining in Female Runners With Patellofemoral Pain

Effectiveness of Gait Retraining in Female Runners With Patellofemoral Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is the most common running-related overuse injury, with prevalence up to 17% among runners. Increased patellofemoral joint stress (PFJS) is a major biomechanical contributor to PFP. Traditional strengthening exercises improve function but do not alter running biomechanics. Gait retraining, particularly cadence modification, has been proposed as a promising approach to reduce PFJS and alleviate symptoms. However, evidence from randomized controlled trials remains limited. This study investigates whether wearable device-assisted gait retraining reduces pain, improves function, and modifies running biomechanics in female runners with PFP compared to education alone.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female, Age 18-45 years
• Unilateral/bilateral anterior knee pain > 4 weeks
• VAS pain ≥ 3/10 during running and ≥ 2 of the following: jumping, squatting, kneeling, stairs, prolonged sitting, or resisted knee extension
• Running ≥ 15 km per week
• Natural rearfoot striker

Exclusion Criteria:

• Acute trauma, history of patellar dislocation, meniscal/chondral lesions
• Prior knee surgery or injection in past 12 months
• Rheumatologic, neurologic, or degenerative disease
• Pregnancy