Clinical Research Directory

The NTU JO-SMART Study

This study recruits patients with coexisting obesity and knee osteoarthritis (KOA) to implement the NTU-JO Smart Program, an innovative intervention integrating AI-assisted community-based exercise with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). The primary objective is to investigate whether this intervention can improve glycemic control in this comorbid population. Other outcome measures include the risk of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), body weight changes, pain intensity scores, bone mineral density (BMD), cognitive function, as well as the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores, which reflect the patients' overall functional status. The project also sought to explore the long-term association of the NTU-JO Smart Program with the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and major renal events, thereby facilitating patient-centered early treatment.

Digital Course and Precision Rehabilitation for Knee Osteoarthritis and Older Adults: Integration of Multisensory Stimulation and Digital Twin Technology

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease in middle-aged and older adults and is frequently associated with pain, quadriceps weakness, reduced mobility, impaired proprioception, balance deficits, and limitations in daily functional activities. Exercise therapy is recommended as a first-line conservative treatment for early to moderate knee OA; however, conventional rehabilitation programs often rely on therapist supervision and lack objective, quantitative movement monitoring, real-time feedback, and personalized adjustment for home-based training. These limitations may reduce exercise adherence and make it difficult to ensure correct movement execution outside the clinical setting. The overall aim of this study is to develop and evaluate a digital rehabilitation exercise program and user interface for individuals with arthritis, using a smart elastic knee brace integrated with wearable sensing technology, surface electromyography biofeedback, joint-angle monitoring, multisensory stimulation, and artificial intelligence-based musculoskeletal monitoring. The proposed system is designed to provide personalized digital rehabilitation courses, real-time visual and auditory feedback, and objective assessment of movement performance to support knee joint motor control, gait retraining, and individualized rehabilitation planning for patients with knee OA. The investigators hypothesize that digital rehabilitation courses combined with multisensory stimulation, including neuromuscular electrical stimulation and vibration, will improve functional performance, movement quality, muscle activation, proprioception, and knee-related symptoms in patients with knee OA compared with conventional home exercise or gait retraining alone. The expected outcome of this study is to establish the feasibility, reliability, and clinical utility of a smart knee brace-based digital rehabilitation system for personalized knee OA management. This study will achieve the following four specific aims: Aim 1: To determine the feasibility of home-based exercise combined with electrical stimulation and the reliability of digital assessment for tracking exercise performance. Patients with knee OA and healthy adults will be recruited to complete selected quadriceps strengthening exercises based on exercise difficulty levels. Participants will perform a two-week home-based training program using exercise combined with electrical stimulation. Feasibility will be assessed using questionnaires, and movement performance will be tracked using inertial sensors during functional tasks. This aim will provide evidence regarding the practicality of integrating electrical stimulation into home-based rehabilitation and the reliability of digital monitoring for exercise performance. Aim 2: To evaluate the effects of digital rehabilitation exercise courses combined with multisensory stimulation in patients with knee OA and healthy adults. Participants will be randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. Both groups will complete a twelve-week home exercise program, three times per week for 40 minutes per session. The experimental group will follow the digital rehabilitation exercise course combined with electrical stimulation or vibration, whereas the control group will perform home exercises based on therapist education. Outcomes will be assessed at four time points: before training, after eight weeks of training, after twelve weeks of training, and six weeks after the intervention. Assessments will include pain, WOMAC scores, hemodynamic responses, muscle strength, electromyographic activity, proprioception, functional performance, body composition, knee structure, and biomechanical parameters. Aim 3: To determine the immediate effects of gait retraining combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation in patients with knee OA. Patients with knee OA will be randomly assigned to either a gait retraining group or a gait retraining combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation group. Both groups will receive a single 15-minute gait retraining intervention focused on modifying the foot progression angle. The experimental group will receive synchronized quadriceps electrical stimulation during gait training, while the control group will receive gait retraining alone. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will be performed to examine the immediate effects on gait parameters and functional movement performance. Aim 4: To develop and validate a personalized knee joint digital twin model using artificial intelligence, multisensory stimulation, and wearable sensing technology. This aim will develop an AI-based musculoskeletal monitoring system that integrates wearable sensor data, functional movement analysis, and personalized knee joint modeling. Patients with knee OA and healthy adults will perform functional tasks such as squatting, stair stepping, and walking under different stimulation conditions, including conti

Digitally Supported Short-Term Prehabilitation Before Total Knee Replacement

This study evaluates the feasibility of a short-term, digitally supported prehabilitation program for patients scheduled for elective total knee replacement (TKR). Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability, and recovery following TKR remains heterogeneous, with a substantial proportion of patients experiencing delayed functional recovery. Prehabilitation may improve perioperative outcomes, but its implementation is often limited by short preoperative time windows. The Prehab2Rehab-KneeTEP trial is a single-center, two-arm, randomized controlled feasibility study conducted in Austria. Patients will be randomized (1:1) to either a multimodal video-supported prehabilitation program or usual care. The intervention consists of a 10 to 14-day preoperative exercise program including strength, endurance, coordination, and gait training, supported by a digital application, and is complemented by a digitally supported transition phase after hospital discharge until the start of inpatient rehabilitation. The primary objective is to assess feasibility in terms of recruitment, retention, adherence, fidelity, acceptability, and safety. Secondary exploratory outcomes include clinical recovery indicators, functional performance, and patient-reported outcomes assessed across the perioperative pathway.

New Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized macroscopically by progressive damage of articular cartilage, joint space narrowing, subchondral bone remodelling, joint marginal osteophyte formation and synovitis. It is also characterized by a decrease of the concentration and molecular weight of the hyaluronic acid in the synovial fluid which ultimately leads to poor viscoelastic properties of synovial fluid and induction of proinflammatory pathways. The intra-articular injection of viscosupplementation gel (mainly exogenous hyaluronic acid) represents one of the most used therapeutic strategies to treat osteoarthritis symptoms. Several studies on knee Osteoarthritis, have shown that one or more weekly injection of viscosupplementation gel significantly relieves articular pain and ameliorates mobility and joint function for at least 6 months and more. Repeated courses of intra-articular injections are an effective and safe treatment for knee osteoarthritis symptoms. Based on studies conducted on intra-articular viscosupplementation gels, the most common side effects expected are local transient and short-lived adverse events such as pain, swelling and arthralgia in the site of administration, which are fully reversible in the days following the injection. Furthermore, such local effects may occur in a minority of cases and are usually treated conservatively with ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and relative rest.

Prospective, In-Vivo, Post-Market Safety and Efficacy Surveillance Registry of the MAXX Orthopedics, Freedom Total Knee® System

In an effort to satisfy regulatory requirements for post-market surveillance of product safety and efficacy, a representative sample of patients will be recruited for prospective monitoring.

Different Ozone Concentrations for Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition that causes pain, stiffness, and difficulty with daily activities. Ozone injection therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that has been increasingly used to relieve symptoms in people with knee osteoarthritis. However, it is not clear whether different ozone concentrations produce different treatment outcomes. In this study, we compared the effects of two commonly used ozone concentrations (15 μg/mL and 25 μg/mL) in patients with knee osteoarthritis. A total of 159 patients received intra-articular ozone injections and were followed for 3 months. Pain, physical function, and quality of life were assessed before treatment and at 1 and 3 months after the injections.

Study of Wearable Interventions for Improving Mobility of Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) affects an estimated 654 million people over age 40 world-wide. In the United States, approximately 16% of adults over the age of 40 have knee OA. Pain, activity limitations and disability are common symptoms. Exercise is widely recommended as a non-invasive, first line strategy for people with knee OA. Yet, less than 1/3 of adults with knee OA meet recommended levels of physical activity, and rates are even lower among people who are overweight. Furthermore, adherence to evidence-based structured programs is poor once the therapeutic support is removed. End stage disease is treated by total joint replacement. Under-active people with knee OA would benefit from general walking activity, even if joint replacement surgery is expected; however, walking is difficult and motivation is low. Thus, people with knee OA encounter a difficult paradox: exercise could help decrease pain and improve function but doing so can be difficult and may not always be possible. There is a tremendous need to address this situation. This is a small device-feasibility study evaluating the Dephy ExoBoot, a wearable powered exoskeleton, in individuals with knee OA. The study assesses whether the device can reliably deliver positive assistance during walking and is tolerated across walking tasks. Additional measures, including changes in knee loading and walking speed with versus without the device, are also collected.

geniculaR Artery eMBolization for Knee Osteoarthritis (RAMBO) Registry

The goal of this observational study (prospective registry) is to collect long-term real-world data on the effectiveness and safety of genicular artery embolization (GAE) for knee osteoarthritis in adults aged 18 years or older with symptomatic KOA that has not responded to medical therapy. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does GAE lead to sustained improvement in pain (WOMAC, VAS) and quality-of-life scores over 12-36 months? 2. What patient or procedural factors are associated with better outcomes after GAE? Participants will: * Undergo GAE as part of their routine clinical care. * Complete clinical follow-up assessments at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months after treatment, including symptom and quality-of-life questionnaires. * Have safety outcomes tracked according to Society of Interventional Radiology guidelines. There is no comparison group; results will be analyzed to identify predictors of success and inform best practices for patient selection and treatment.

The ACT-ON: A Geriatric 5-Ms-Guided Physical Therapy Intervention for Knee Osteo-Arthritis in Older Adults.

The study is a Random control trail study conducted at King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focusing on Application of 5 framework in rehabilitation program of knee arthritis. The study will involve a in each group sample of 20 KOA patients, with a 12-month duration. The sample size was estimated using G\*Power 3.1 software, and the initial power analysis indicated that 40 participants would be required to achieve 80.0% statistical power. The study's participants will be aged between 55 and 80 years, diagnosed with Knee osteoarthritis, without cognitive impairment, knee surgery in the past 6 months, or unstable comorbidities. The study will involve in-person 16 sessions, with the first two lasting approximately one hour and the remaining session 30-45 minutes. The main outcome measures that will be used in this study are Stay Independent Brochure, Iconographical Falls Efficacy Scale (icon-FES), Timed Up and Go, 2-Minute Walk Test, 5 Time Set to Stand Test AND Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale 8 Item (ASES-8), Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), and Patient satisfaction level with Physical Therapy service MedRisk. Data will be taken from direct questions to patients, by filling out the questionnaire via Google Form, and through some tests and SPSS will be used for data analysis, with ANOVA Test intervention scores of the outcome measures.

Pilot Exploration of Platelet Characterization of Platelet Rich Plasma Created by Two Different Systems

The investigators would like to study the differences in the quality of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) between two different machines in those with knee osteoarthritis. Knee osteoarthritis means your cartilage has been worn down, and it affects your knee joint. Both machines, the APEX Biologix XCELL PRP System and the Emcyte PurePRP Supraphysiologic Concentrating System, are FDA approved, commercially available, and makes PRP. The investigators will check if the platelets in the PRP have different amounts or work differently. The investigators will also assess participants symptoms after the injection and compare the two different preparation systems.

Effect of Knee and Heel Off-Loader Brace With Non Weight Bearing Strength in Knee Osteoarthritis

The current study is a single-blinded, parallel-group pilot randomized controlled trial involving 20 participants diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The trial will compare the effects of a knee and heel off-loader brace combined with non-weight bearing (NWB) strength training versus a conventional knee off-loader brace combined with NWB strength training. Interventions will be delivered three times per week for four weeks. The primary outcome of the study is pain intensity, while secondary outcomes include gait variability and functional outcome. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and after completion of the intervention period. The study will be carried out at the outpatient physiotherapy departments of Kaazi Hospital and Ghurki Trust Hospital, Lahore. The hypothesis is that the combination of knee and heel off-loader brace with NWB strength training will result in greater reductions in pain, improved gait variability, and enhanced functional outcomes compared to the conventional knee off-loader brace with NWB strength training.

Comparative Effectiveness of Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation and Intra-Articular Pulsed Radiofrequency in the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis Pain

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease characterized by progressive cartilage deterioration, osteophyte formation, subchondral sclerosis, and a number of biochemical and morphological changes in weight-bearing joints that are affected by genetic, mechanical, and biochemical factors. The prevalence of secondary chronic knee pain in OA is more than 12% in individuals over the age of 60. It is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders in elderly patients and has become a global health problem. Standard treatments for OA include physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), tramadol, opioids, intra-articular hyaluronic acid, or steroids. In more severe cases, surgical knee arthroplasty should be considered. But long-term use of NSAIDs is associated with stomach bleeding, adverse cardiovascular events, and kidney failure. Opioids are often used, but a large number of side effects are encountered, especially in the elderly. Knee surgery is not always possible and can cause complications such as hematomas, infections, and damage to the surrounding tissue. Radiofrequency (RF) application (pulsed or continuous) is a neuromodulatory or neurolytic technique that represents an alternative in pain due to osteoarthritis. RF therapy is one of the conservative treatments that has many advantages, such as minimal invasiveness, rapid recovery, and less negative response. Radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) destroys the integrity of peripheral nerves using hyperthermia and thereby blocks the transmission of pain signals, while pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) regulates neurological functions or inhibits the production of immunoinflammatory factors (e.g., IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) by using electric fields to affect their production, thereby relieving pain in patients. Genicular nerve radiofrequency thermocoagulation application and knee intra-articular pulsed radiofrequency application are the two radiofrequency methods routinely applied in the treatment of gonarthrosis-induced pain in our clinic. In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of these two methods and compare their outcomes.

BFR Training and Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic, progressive degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage and bone degeneration, synovial inflammation, and structural changes. Clinically, it presents with pain, morning stiffness, swelling, crepitus, and limited range of motion, leading to functional impairment, gait abnormalities, and reduced quality of life. Globally, KOA affects \~302 million people. In Saudi Arabia, prevalence rises from 30.8% (ages 46-55) to \>60% (ages 66-75), with higher rates in older, female, and obese individuals. Key risk factors include aging, female sex, obesity, prior knee injury, and genetics. The condition imposes significant health burdens and socioeconomic costs. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) identifies KOA as a major cause of physical disability. Pain, restricted motion, and muscle weakness drive quality-of-life decline. While pharmacological treatments exist, physical therapy interventions (education, exercise, weight loss) are crucial, though their success depends on patient behavioral change. Traditional biomedical education inadequately addresses chronic pain. Pain neuroscience education (PNE) teaches the biology and physiology of pain, supported by a biopsychosocial assessment. PNE is increasingly used by physiotherapists for chronic pain management. Quadriceps weakness contributes to functional decline in KOA. Conventional high-load resistance training may exacerbate joint pain; thus, low- to moderate-intensity training is recommended. Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) partially restricts arterial inflow and occludes venous outflow during low-load exercise, originally developed as "kaatsu training" in Japan. BFRT is used in rehabilitation and performance training across healthy individuals, athletes, older adults, and hypertensive patients. Factors affecting adaptations include occlusion pressure, type (continuous/intermittent), exercise intensity, and volume. Low-load resistance with BFRT reduces joint pain and increases muscle strength and mass in older adults, including those with KOA risk factors. A systematic review of six RCTs on BFRT in KOA patients showed significant pain improvement in four studies, but meta-analysis did not confirm a significant difference. Combining exercise therapy and education is recommended for musculoskeletal pain reduction; pain education alone reduced healthcare spending by 45% over three years. However, physical therapists underutilize pain management approaches, and knowledge gaps remain barriers. Controlled clinical studies on BFRT in KOA are lacking. This randomized trial aims to evaluate whether BFRT, PNE, and standard treatment improve pain, function, muscle thickness, and patient satisfaction in KOA patients.

Hemi-tibial Plateau Osteotomy Combined With Arthroscopic Repair for Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tears in Varus Knees

This is a single-center clinical trial started by the study team. The goal is to compare two surgeries for people who have a varus knee alignment and a tear at the back attachment of the medial meniscus. Researchers want to learn how the newer bone-cut procedure with arthroscopic meniscus repair compares to the standard bone-cut procedure with arthroscopic meniscus repair. Researchers will also track safety and hospital-related costs. Main questions the study aims to answer: * At 12 months after surgery, how does the improvement in knee function compare between the newer-surgery group and the standard-surgery group? The study will evaluate preliminary trends in clinical efficacy using the Lysholm knee function score. * Do the two groups differ in pain relief, imaging findings, meniscus healing, complications, and hospital stay and preliminary cost-effectiveness? The study plans to enroll about 20 participants at Sun Yat-sen University Eighth Affiliated Hospital (Shenzhen Futian). Participants will be assigned by chance, like drawing lots, in a one-to-one ratio. This is an pilot study with a PROBE (Prospective Randomized Open-label Blinded-Endpoint) design. While participants and surgeons will know which surgery is performed, the research assistant responsible for collecting patient-reported outcomes will be blinded to group allocation to minimize observer bias. Study groups: * Experimental group: hemi-tibial plateau osteotomy plus arthroscopic meniscus repair. * Control group: high tibial osteotomy plus arthroscopic meniscus repair. Who may join: * Age 35 to 65 years, with no restriction on sex; * Diagnosed with a medial meniscus posterior root tear; * Presence of varus knee deformity; * Imaging findings support the diagnosis (e.g., knee MRI); * Failure of conservative treatment: no meaningful improvement after more than 1 month of non-surgical management (e.g., rest, medication, or physical therapy); * Varus alignment angle less than 10 degrees; * The deformity is predominantly tibial in origin; * Knee radiographs do not show the most severe osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade other than IV). Who cannot join: * A knee that is chronically "locked," meaning it cannot bend or straighten normally. * The most severe level of knee arthritis on knee X-ray. * Severe arthritis in the hip or ankle that could affect knee function testing. * Inflammatory or infectious conditions that can affect the knee, or abnormal inflammation blood tests that make participation unsafe. * Knee instability or poorly functioning prior ligament reconstruction, based on the study doctor's judgment. * Any prior surgery on the target knee, or on other joints of the same-side lower limb. * Serious heart, liver, or kidney disease, cancer, bleeding disorders, immune deficiency, or severe mental health conditions that make participation unsafe. * Body mass index of 30 or higher. * Pregnancy or breastfeeding, or not willing to use birth control during the study. * Participation in another clinical study within the past 3 months (except registry studies). * Any other reason the study doctor believes makes participation unsafe or not appropriate. What participants will do: * Complete screening and baseline assessments within about 30 days before surgery and sign informed consent. * Receive the assigned surgery during the hospital stay. * Return for follow-up visits at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. * Complete knee function and symptom questionnaires and rate pain at each follow-up visit. * Have standing knee X-rays and full-length leg X-rays at 3, 6, and 12 months. * Have an MRI of the operated knee at 3, 6, and 12 months to assess meniscus healing and meniscus extrusion. Outcomes: * Primary outcome: change from baseline to 12 months in the Lysholm knee function score. * Secondary outcomes: changes in the Lysholm score at 3 and 6 months; changes in the WOMAC knee arthritis symptom score at 3, 6, and 12 months; changes in pain rating on a standard pain scale at 3, 6, and 12 months; imaging measures and bone healing on X-rays; meniscus healing and extrusion on MRI; surgery time and blood loss; complications during and after surgery; length of hospital stay and hospital costs; and quality of life utility value from a standard health questionnaire.

The Efficacy and Safety of a Single-Dose Hyaluronic Acid Injection in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

HA therapy typically consists of several intra-articular injections administered at weekly intervals. A single-dose IA-HA treatment offers patients and physicians a treatment option that involves both lower costs and fewer clinic visits. Furthermore, considering the administration procedure, we believe that single-dose therapy helps reduce the risk of potential side effects. In light of this information, our study aims to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of HA in patients with symptomatic knee OA who have received a single-dose intra-articular HA injection.

"Transarterial Microembolization (TAME) in Inflammatory Knee Pathology"

Patients with knee OA and chronic pain refractory to at least 3 months of conventional conservative therapy will be included in the study, which will evaluate the clinical results obtained after treatment with selective arterial embolization (selection and enrollment, treatment with selective arterial embolization, follow-up checks). Forty-three patients will be included in the study and will undergo the transarterial microembolization procedure after signing the informed consent form for participation in the study and the collection of anamnestic data. Subsequently, patients will be followed up with clinical evaluation at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months of follow-up or until possible dropout for other treatment.

The Validity and Reliability of the OMERACT in the Turkish Population

Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic disease common in middle-aged and older adults, characterized by functional impairment and reduced quality of life due to pain. While physical examination and radiographic Kellgren-Lawrence grading are frequently used in clinical evaluation, the severity of pain does not always correlate with the degree of structural degeneration. Ultrasonography is gaining prominence in osteoarthritis research due to its advantage of simultaneously evaluating both inflammatory and structural components, such as synovial hypertrophy, effusion, power Doppler signal, and osteophytes. The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) working group has developed a standardized, multidimensional ultrasound scoring system for knee osteoarthritis, and this method is frequently used in the literature. This method consists of a diagnostic ultrasound examination lasting approximately 8-10 minutes. The examination evaluates the anatomical structures of the knee and also includes soft tissue examinations such as synovial hypertrophy. With this method, a diagnostic ultrasound examination lasting approximately 8-10 minutes is performed. The examination evaluates the anatomical structures of the knee and also includes soft tissue examinations such as synovial hypertrophy. Considering the differences between societies in cultural, genetic, biomechanical, body mass index distribution, and healthcare system practices, direct validity, clinical interpretability, and inter-study comparability are of significant importance. The validity, reliability, and applicability of the OMERACT osteoarthritis ultrasound scoring system have been reported in a study conducted on the Egyptian population. However, there is no data on the validity and reliability of OMERACT ultrasound scoring in the Turkish population. This study is the first prospective validation study aimed at establishing standardization for use in clinical practice in Turkey.

Blood Flow Restriction Training in Knee Osteoarthritic Patients

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of band tissue flossing method and traditional cuff method for blood flow restriction training on pain, range of motion, muscle strength and functional status in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Symptoms of this condition limit patient's ability to perform high load strengthening. Blood flow restraining training allows strengthening with lower loads. 46 subjects will be divided in two groups, 23 subjects in each group. knee extension and knee press exercises will be performed. In group A floss band was tied on thigh and in group B pneumatic cuff was applied on thigh. 40-60 years individual with knee osteoarthritis will be included. outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, after 1st session, after 2nd week and after 4th week.

Daily Activity and Clinical Outcome Measurement of Arthrosamid® Administration in Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis.

This study is a prospective, monocentric, interventional post-market study evaluating the effects of a single intra-articular injection of Arthrosamid in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Arthrosamid is a polyacrylamide hydrogel consisting of 97.5% sterile water and 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide that integrates into the synovial tissue and is used for the symptomatic treatment of knee osteoarthritis. The study will include 30 eligible patients receiving a single Arthrosamid injection and will be followed for up to 12 months. The primary objective is to evaluate the performance of Arthrosamid in terms of daily activities and clinical outcomes in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. The primary endpoint assesses the percentage change from baseline in daily activity levels at 6 months after injection, measured using an activity tracker combined with a digital rehabilitation tool. Additional assessments include patient-reported outcome measures and clinical follow-up visits conducted as part of standard care.

Comparing Articular Noise and Its Perception Between Two Different Types of Total Knee Arthroplasty

Some patients complain of articular noise (such as clicking, snapping, cracking or popping) after a total knee replacement. Controversy remains about whether there is a correlation between articular noise and worse outcomes following a knee replacement. A study by Nam et al. on 1540 patients revealed an association between noise and residual symptoms 30 days after they received a total knee replacement. Conversely, a study by Kuriyama et al. on 60 patients revealed no correlation between noise and patient satisfaction after 1 year of receiving a total knee replacement. The incidence of noise following a knee replacement has rarely been studied as a primary outcome. Like pain, it could be considered an important patient-reported outcome to assess patient satisfaction. The study aims to compare the prevalence of patient-perceived noise of an ultra-congruent total knee prosthesis (Score 2, Amplitude) versus a posterior-stabilized total knee prosthesis (Anatomic, Amplitude).

Close Chain and Open Chain Exercises With Blood Flow Restriction in Knee Osteoarthritis

The aim of this research is to find and compare the effect of close chain and open chain exercises with blood flow restriction in knee osteoarthritis on pain, range of motion, strength and functional performance in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Randomized controlled trials done at Railway General Hospital and Medistic Medical and Dental Center, Rawalpindi. The sample size was 40. The subjects were divided in two groups, 20 subjects in close chain exercises with blood flow restriction group and 20 in open chain exercises with blood flow restriction group. Study duration was of 4 weeks. Sampling technique applied was purposive non probability sampling technique. Only 45-75 years individual with grade 1 or 2 knee osteoarthritis were included. Tools used in the study are Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), goniometer, crane scale (dynamometer), 30 s chair stand test. Data was analyzed through SPSS 21.

Effects of Diagonal Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Patterns on Pain and Functional Outcomes in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

A randomized controlled trial will be conducted at the Department of Physiotherapy, Dr. Ziauddin Hospital and Al-Rayaz Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 150 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, aged between 40-60 years, will be recruited through a non-probability purposive sampling technique. Written informed consent will be obtained from all eligible participants prior to enrollment. The participants will be randomly allocated by the help of computer generated randomization sheet, into two groups i.e. experimental and the control group, with 75 participants in each group. Group A (experimental group) will receive diagonal proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) pattern exercises, while Group B (control group) will receive conventional strength training exercises. Heat therapy will be administered to both groups. All participants will be assessed using a standardized assessment form. Outcome measures will include pain intensity, knee range of motion, functional disability, hamstring flexibility, dynamic balance, and fatigue level. A single blinded assessor will assess all participants at baseline and at post intervention. Treatment sessions will be given thrice a week on alternate days for 6 weeks.

Feasibility of Resting Intervals During Exercise Programs for Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis

This pilot randomize trial tests the feasibility of administering two different exercise programs in people with knee osteoarthritis. One group receives the exercise program administered as usual, and the other group received the exercise program with resting intervals.

Neuropathic Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis: Pain Severity and Functional Status

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by structural changes such as cartilage loss and osteophyte formation, leading to functional limitations and disability. Pain in knee OA involves a complex pathophysiological structure including both nociceptive and neuropathic mechanisms. Identifying the neuropathic pain component is clinically significant for improving quality of life and functional recovery. This cross-sectional controlled clinical study aims to determine the prevalence of neuropathic pain in patients with knee OA and evaluate its impact on pain severity and functional status. Patients will be categorized based on the Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) questionnaire and assessed using various pain and functional scales.