Exploring footwear preferences in adolescents with patellofemoral pain

Knee pain affects one-third of adolescents, and pain around the kneecap is the most common source.

Kneecap pain tends to cause adolescents to reduce their physical activity levels, and can have an impact on their overall health. Footwear and shoe inserts are often recommended as a treatment for kneecap pain.

This study will explore preferences that adolescents have regarding footwear, and how this may relate to their kneecap pain.

A physiotherapist will conduct one-on-one interviews with approximately 30 male and female adolescents (aged 12-18 years) who have kneecap pain.

Participant benefits

Individuals who participate for the full duration of the study will receive a $20 Coles-Myer gift voucher.

Findings will help to inform healthcare practitioners of factors to consider when prescribing footwear interventions to adolescents with kneecap pain, and guide the development of footwear interventions that are acceptable to this population.

Eligibility

You may be eligible to participate if you:

are 12-18 years old and experience:
- anterior knee pain of non-traumatic origin that is rated at least three on an 11-point numerical rating scale
- knee pain aggravated by activities that load the patellofemoral joint (e.g. squatting, stair climbing, running);
- knee pain present at some time during most weeks
- knee pain of at least two months duration.

Register your interest

If you are interested in participating, please complete the following expression of interest survey and we will be in touch with you shortly:

Email: Isobel.osullivan@uq.edu.au

This study has been approved by The University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee [Approval No. IO00008]