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Pregabalin Phonophoresis and MET for Knee Osteoarthritis
Sponsor: University of Faisalabad
Summary
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking. Many patients with advanced (Grade III) knee OA also experience neuropathic pain - burning, tingling, or electric shock sensations - which is harder to treat with standard physiotherapy. Oral pregabalin works for neuropathic pain but causes side effects like dizziness and drowsiness. This study tests whether delivering pregabalin through the skin using ultrasound (phonophoresis), combined with calf muscle stretching (Muscle Energy Technique), can reduce nerve pain and improve walking better than ultrasound alone.
Official title: Evaluating the Combined Efficacy of Pregabalin-Encapsulated Hydrogel Phonophoresis Along With Gastrocnemius Muscle Energy Technique on Neuropathic Pain and Mobility in Grade III Knee Osteoarthritis
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
40 Years - 60 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
35
Start Date
2026-01-01
Completion Date
2026-07-19
Last Updated
2026-05-20
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Pregabalin-Encapsulated Hydrogel Phonophoresis
Pregabalin (5% w/w) incorporated into a water-soluble, ultrasound-conductive gel base. Delivered via therapeutic ultrasound (Sonopuls 490, Enraf-Nonius) with parameters: continuous mode, frequency 1 MHz, intensity 1 W/cm², treatment duration 5 minutes, sound head moved in slow circular motion (2-3 cm/sec) over medial, lateral, and posterior knee regions. Approximately 0.5 mL of gel per cm² per session. Administered 4 sessions/week for 4 weeks (total 16 sessions). Prepared under sterile conditions, stored at 4°C, used within 14 days.
Gastrocnemius Muscle Energy Technique (Post-Isometric Relaxation)
Manual therapy technique performed with participant supine, legs extended. Therapist stabilizes distal femur and holds plantar foot. Participant performs plantarflexion isometric contraction against therapist resistance at \~25% maximum effort for 7-10 seconds (no joint movement). After relaxation, therapist passively dorsiflexes ankle to first point of tissue resistance (mild stretch, never pain) and holds for 10 seconds. Cycle repeated 4-5 times per session. Preceded by 10-minute hot pack application. Performed 4 sessions/week for 4 weeks (total 16 sessions).
Aqua Gel Phonophoresis
Standard ultrasound conductive gel containing water, carbomer, propylene glycol, methylparaben, propylparaben (no active pharmaceutical ingredient). Delivered via therapeutic ultrasound (Sonopuls 490, Enraf-Nonius) with parameters: continuous mode, frequency 1 MHz, intensity 1 W/cm², treatment duration 5 minutes, sound head moved in slow circular motion (2-3 cm/sec) over medial, lateral, and posterior knee regions. Administered 4 sessions/week for 4 weeks (total 16 sessions).
Locations (1)
The University of Faisalabad
Faisalābad, Punjab Province, Pakistan