Combined Physical Therapy and Hold-Relax Technique for Adolescent Osgood-Schlatter Knee Pain

Exploratory Effects of a Combined Hold-Relax Technique and Progressive Rehabilitation Program on Knee Pain in Adolescent Athletes With Osgood-Schlatter Disease: A Pilot Study

This pilot study evaluates the preliminary effectiveness of a combined rehabilitation program incorporating hold-relax (H-R) stretching techniques and progressive therapeutic exercises on knee pain and range of motion (ROM) in adolescent athletes diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter disease. Utilizing a retrospective, single-group pre-post design on a cohort of six athletic participants, this study aims to generate preliminary clinical evidence and assess feasibility to inform future larger-scale randomized controlled trials. Participants underwent a structured, multi-week rehabilitation protocol, with primary clinical outcomes assessed before and after the intervention period using validated measures of pain intensity and knee joint mobility.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of Osgood-Schlatter disease
• Presence of anterior knee pain localized at the tibial tuberosity
• Regular participation in sports involving running and jumping
• No participation in structured rehabilitation programs within the previous 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of knee surgery or major trauma
• Presence of other knee pathologies (e.g., ligament or meniscal injuries)
• Neurological or systemic disorders affecting movement