Therapeutic Exercises for Pain and Disability in Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)

Riphah International University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Knee Osteoarthritis

Treatments: Other: Exercise; Other: Exercise + TENS + Hot Pack

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07128875

RIPHAH-REC Naimat ullah 01018

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of structured therapeutic exercises in reducing pain and disability among older adults diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. The intervention will involve a supervised physical therapy program targeting muscle strength, joint mobility, and functional capacity. Participants will undergo 6 weeks of therapy, and improvements in pain and physical function will be measured using validated scales.

Full description

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of chronic pain and mobility limitations in the elderly population. Therapeutic exercises play a significant role in managing OA symptoms by strengthening the quadriceps, improving joint flexibility, and reducing stiffness. This study will enroll 60 participants aged 50-75 years diagnosed with knee OA. They will undergo a combination of strengthening, range of motion (ROM), and stretching exercises tailored to their condition. The intervention also includes adjunctive modalities such as hot pack and TENS to reduce pain and facilitate muscle engagement. Outcome measures will assess pain intensity, functional ability, and lower limb endurance before and after the intervention.

Enrollment: 56 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 35 to 40 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria:Minimum Age: 50 Years Maximum Age: 75 Years Sex: All Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with knee OA
• Aged 50-75 years
• Experiencing pain or functional limitation
• Able to attend supervised sessions
• Provided informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:- History of total knee replacement

• Severe cardiovascular or neurological conditions
• Acute injury or fracture in lower limb
• Uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes

Trial design

Primary purpose: Health Services Research

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

---

56 participants in 2 patient groups

Exercise + TENS + Hot Pack

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this group will receive a structured therapeutic exercise program designed to improve physical function and reduce pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The session includes: Warm-Up (10 min): Light walking or stationary cycling Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises: Heel slides, seated knee flexion/extension Strengthening Exercises: Quadriceps sets Straight leg raises Mini squats (within pain-free range) Seated knee extensions using resistance bands Stretching Exercises: Hamstring stretch Calf stretch Quadriceps stretch Cool Down (5-10 min): Breathing and relaxation techniques Modalities: Hot Pack: 15 minutes (applied pre- and post-exercise) TENS: 10 minutes (applied pre- and post-exercise using dual-channel portable TENS unit - \[Brand/Model, if available\])

Treatment:

Other: Exercise + TENS + Hot Pack

Exercise Only (Control)

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants in the control group will follow the same structured therapeutic exercise program as the experimental group. However, TENS will be replaced with a sham procedure that mimics device placement without electrical stimulation. Warm-Up (10 min): Light walking or stationary cycling Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises: Heel slides, seated knee flexion/extension Strengthening Exercises: Quadriceps sets Straight leg raises Mini squats (within pain-free range) Seated knee extensions using resistance bands Stretching Exercises: Hamstring stretch Calf stretch Quadriceps stretch Cool Down (5-10 min): Breathing and relaxation techniques Modalities: Hot Pack: 15 minutes (if applicable) Sham TENS: Electrodes applied without current

Treatment:

Other: Exercise