The application of a digital therapeutic reveals superior outcome compared to standard care in patients with anterior knee pain—a randomized controlled trial
Ferner F, Schenke M, Lutter C, Petersen W, Efe T, Schmeling A, Izadpanah K, Perwanger F, Harrer J, Dickschas J (2025)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2025
Journal
Book Volume: 145
Article Number: 180
Journal Issue: 1
DOI: 10.1007/s00402-025-05787-y
Abstract
Purpose: Anterior knee pain is a frequent symptom caused by disorders like patellofemoral pain syndrome or patella tendon tendinitis, which is commonly treated conservatively. The aim of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of a digital therapeutic (DT) versus German standard care through a prospective, randomized, multicenter controlled trial. Methods: Study participants were recruited in 9 orthopedic specialist centers diagnosed with anterior knee pain and a NPRS score of ≥ 4. Stratified randomization for n = 140 participants was conducted, assigning participants to the intervention group (exclusive use of DT) or the control group (standard care). Standard care included 1–3 prescriptions for physical therapy, while the DT consisted of a 90-day personalized exercise therapy program including educational content. The primary endpoints were pain measured by NPRS and functional impairment measured by the Kujala Score. Results: The use of the DT compared to the standard care showed an improvement in clinical outcomes (NPRS = − 3.7 ± 2.67 and Kujala = 18.00 ± 13.96, both p < 0.001). Both pain and function improved clinically and statistically significantly compared to the control group (ANOVA: NPRS = − 1.64 ± 0.35, p < 0.001, Kujala = 9.26 ± 2.52, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The use of the DT showed significant improvements in pain and function compared to the current standard therapy. These results are highly relevant for clinical practice in the treatment decision-making for patients with anterior knee pain as the DT bridges effectively gaps in the healthcare systems.
Involved external institutions
Sporthopaedicum Berlin
Germany (DE)
Universitätsklinikum Freiburg
Germany (DE)
Sana Kliniken AG
Germany (DE)
Sozialstiftung Bamberg
Germany (DE)
OrthoPlus München
Germany (DE)
Universitätsmedizin Rostock
Germany (DE)
Vivantes - Netzwerk für Gesundheit GmbH
Germany (DE)
Germany (DE)
Universitätsklinikum Freiburg
Germany (DE)
Sana Kliniken AG
Germany (DE)
Sozialstiftung Bamberg
Germany (DE)
OrthoPlus München
Germany (DE)
Universitätsmedizin Rostock
Germany (DE)
Vivantes - Netzwerk für Gesundheit GmbH
Germany (DE)
How to cite
APA:
Ferner, F., Schenke, M., Lutter, C., Petersen, W., Efe, T., Schmeling, A.,... Dickschas, J. (2025). The application of a digital therapeutic reveals superior outcome compared to standard care in patients with anterior knee pain—a randomized controlled trial. Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, 145(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-025-05787-y
MLA:
Ferner, Felix, et al. "The application of a digital therapeutic reveals superior outcome compared to standard care in patients with anterior knee pain—a randomized controlled trial." Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery 145.1 (2025).
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