High-load Resistance Training Compared With Usual Care for Treatment of Painful Knee Joint Hypermobility in Young Adults: A Randomised Controlled Trial (the HIPEr-Knee Study)

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether high-load resistance training is more effective than usual care in reducing activity-related knee pain in young adults aged 18 to 45 with hypermobile joints and knee pain. This study focuses on patients who often do not respond well to standard low-intensity resistance and proprioceptive training. The goal is to improve knee stability and reduce pain by exploring a training method that may enhance muscle size, nerve activation, and tendon stiffness. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will perform a progressive high-load resistance training program twice a week for 12 weeks. The other group receives standard care involving neuromuscular training focusing on knee stability and function at low intensities, also performed twice weekly for 12 weeks. Both exercise programs target muscles around the knee. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 12 months. Researchers will measure activity-related pain using a visual analogue scale, along with knee function, injury outcomes, knee strength, reposition sense, and hopping ability. Adverse events will be monitored for up to 12 months. The study includes double-blind procedures and randomized allocation to groups, with the total participation lasting at least 12 months to evaluate long-term effects.

Exercise in Patients With Hypermobile Joints and Knee Pain