Low-Level Laser Therapy in Knee Osteoarthritis: Effects on Clinical Outcomes, Femoral Cartilage Thickness and Regional Sarcopenia

Launched by ANKARA ETLIK CITY HOSPITAL · Jul 13, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether adding low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to a regular home exercise program can help people with knee osteoarthritis feel less pain, improve knee cartilage health, and strengthen thigh muscles better than exercise alone. Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition that causes joint pain and stiffness, especially in people over 50. In this study, all participants will follow a 12-week exercise plan designed to improve knee movement, muscle strength, and overall fitness. Half of the participants will also receive laser treatments on their knees for two weeks. The researchers will compare the two groups to see if the laser therapy provides extra benefits.

People over 50 with moderate knee osteoarthritis (confirmed by specific tests) may be eligible to join, as long as they have not had recent knee surgery, injections, or physical therapy, and don’t have certain health issues like a pacemaker, active cancer, or very high body weight. Participants will have detailed assessments before starting the study, including measurements of knee cartilage and muscle thickness using ultrasound, tests of muscle strength and walking ability, and questionnaires about pain and quality of life. These tests will be repeated one and three months after treatment begins to track progress. If the laser therapy group shows better results, those who only did exercises may be offered the laser treatment later. Throughout the study, participants will receive guidance and support to help them stick with the exercise program.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals with knee osteoarthritis according to ACR criteria, Those at grade 2-3 according to the Kellgren-Lawrence scale, Individuals aged over 50 years
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals with a history of trauma or surgery to the knee joint, Those who have received intra-articular injection to the knee within the last 3 months, Those who have undergone physical therapy or exercise treatment in the past year, Individuals with a pacemaker, Patients with high cardiac risk, Those with active malignancy, Individuals with genetic bone or joint disease, Those with a BMI \> 35 kg/m²