Light Therapy on Pain and Synovitis
Launched by THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY · Jun 29, 2025
Trial Information
Current as of July 25, 2025
Recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial is studying whether a special type of light therapy, using near-infrared light at 810 nm wavelength, can help reduce knee pain and inflammation in people who have chronic knee pain caused by synovitis (which is swelling inside the knee joint). Knee pain is common, especially in middle-aged and older adults, and synovitis is often a key reason for this pain. Previous studies in animals showed this light therapy might reduce pain and inflammation, and this trial will test if the same benefits happen in people.
The study is looking for adults between 40 and 80 years old who have had knee pain lasting more than three months and have swelling inside the knee confirmed by ultrasound. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the real light therapy or a sham (fake) treatment twice a week for five weeks. The researchers will measure changes in knee pain, swelling, and physical function before treatment, right after, and then again at one month and six months later. This trial is important because if the light therapy works, it could offer a safe, non-invasive way to help people with knee pain due to synovitis improve their mobility and quality of life.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • Participants aged between 40 and 80 years
- • Able to provide written informed consent
- • Have experienced knee pain that persists or recurs for more than 3 months
- • A knee pain score of at least 30 mm on the 100-mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) during the past week
- • Ultrasound-measured knee synovitis ≥1
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • Anticipated need for knee surgery within the next one year
- • Previous or planned knee replacement within the next one year
- • Knee surgery or other physical therapy in the previous 3 months
- • Use of intra-articular, intra-muscular, or oral corticosteroids in previous 4 weeks
- • Malignant tumors or other life-threatening diseases
- • Severe mental disorders, including but not limited to schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder, that may interfere with the participant's ability to comply with the study protocol or provide informed consent
About The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is a leading institution in applied research and education, dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation in various fields, including health sciences. As a clinical trial sponsor, PolyU focuses on conducting rigorous and ethically sound research to enhance understanding of medical interventions and improve patient outcomes. The university leverages its multidisciplinary expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and collaboration with industry partners to facilitate groundbreaking studies that address pressing health challenges. Committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence, PolyU aims to translate research findings into practical solutions that benefit society and contribute to the global advancement of healthcare.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Hong Kong, , Hong Kong
Shenzhen, , China
Patients applied
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported