Comparative Effectiveness of Otago and Neuromuscular Exercise Programs in Knee Osteoarthritis

Launched by RIPHAH INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY · Jul 14, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying two different exercise programs to see which one helps people with knee osteoarthritis (a common joint condition that causes pain and stiffness) feel better. The researchers want to find out if the Otago Exercise Program or special neuromuscular exercises do a better job at reducing pain, improving movement, balance, and overall knee function. Both groups will also receive standard physical therapy, and the exercises will be done twice a week for six weeks. The study will measure pain levels, how well participants can move, and their balance at the start, halfway through, and at the end of the program.

Adults between 45 and 65 years old with moderate knee osteoarthritis confirmed by an X-ray may be eligible to join if they have a certain level of pain and slower walking speed but are otherwise healthy enough to safely participate. People with recent heart problems, surgeries, or serious health issues won’t be able to join. If you take part, you can expect to attend guided exercise sessions twice a week for six weeks and have your progress checked three times during the study. The goal is to find the best exercise approach to help manage knee osteoarthritis symptoms and improve quality of life.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults aged 45 to 65 years
• • X-ray confirmed Grade 2-3 knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence scale)
• • NPRS pain score between 3 and 8
• • TUG score ≥ 14 seconds
• • Able and willing to participate in twice-weekly sessions for six weeks
• • Signed informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History of heart attack or stroke within the past year
• • Knee or hip surgery within the past 6 months
• • Resting systolic blood pressure \>160 mmHg or \<100 mmHg
• • Resting diastolic blood pressure \>100 mmHg or \<60 mmHg
• • Neurological disorders affecting balance
• • Current participation in another exercise program
• • Recent fractures, cancer, or vascular diseases