The Effect of Therapeutic Exercise on Cartilage Morphology and Physical Function for Individuals at High Risk of Knee Osteoarthritis

Launched by JORDAN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY · Jul 29, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how different types of exercise can help people with a specific knee injury called a degenerative meniscus tear. Researchers want to see if progressive resistance exercises, which build strength, are more effective than aerobic exercises, which focus on overall fitness, in improving knee cartilage health and physical function. The study will involve 54 participants aged 35 to 55, who will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: one doing strength exercises, another doing aerobic exercises, and a control group receiving standard care. Participants will undergo MRI scans to look at changes in their knee cartilage and will also complete surveys and physical tests to assess their progress.

To be eligible for this study, participants should be between 35 and 55 years old and have specific symptoms related to a degenerative meniscus tear, including knee pain and difficulty squatting. They also need to have permission from their doctor to participate in an exercise program. However, individuals with certain knee conditions, previous surgeries, or other medical issues may not qualify. If you decide to join this trial, you can expect to participate in exercise sessions, undergo MRI scans, and provide feedback about your knee function throughout the study. This pilot trial will help researchers understand how to conduct a larger study in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Are between 35 and 55 years of age.
• 2. Have a symptomatic degenerative medial meniscus tear as evidenced by:
• • Presence of medial knee pain.
• • Medial joint line tenderness.
• • Pain and limited motion when attempting to perform a full squat and
• • Increased intra-meniscal signal on at least 2 consecutive MRI slices and
• • 3. Have clearance from their personal physician to participate in an exercise program.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Radiographic evidence of OA (K-L grade 2 or above).
• • 2. A repairable meniscus injury (longitudinal tear in the outer 1/3 of the meniscus).
• • 3. A meniscus injury that requires meniscectomy (locked knee).
• • 4. Prior or current ligament injury or surgery of the involved knee.
• • 5. Prior or current injury or surgery to contra-lateral knee.
• • 6. Pathological ligamentous laxity upon examination of the knee
• • 7. An inflammatory arthritic condition or
• • 8. Any injury or condition involving the lower extremities that affects their ability to walk.
• Because participation in this study requires undergoing MRI, subjects will be excluded if they:
• • 1. If female, pregnant at the time of enrollment.
• • 2. Had prior surgery for an aneurysm; any medical illness that may interfere with the patient's general fitness or exercise capability.
• • 3. Had any contraindication with MRI.
• • 4. Had surgery within the past two months.
• • 5. Have a cardiac pacemaker.