Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 40 to 65

Aquatic vs. land Mulligan mobilization for knee osteoarthritis

Official title: Comparison of Aquatic and Land-Based Mulligan Mobilization With Movement on Pain, and Function in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

Run by Riphah International University · NCT07484529 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether doing Mulligan mobilization with movement in water helps knee OA patients more than the same treatment on land.

More Knee Osteoarthritis trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages40 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment66 (estimated)
SponsorRiphah International University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rawalpindi)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 11, 2026
Main results expectedSeptember 2026
Study endsOctober 2026
Registry record updatedJuly 20, 2026
Trial IDNCT07484529 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults 40–65 with bilateral knee OA (KL grade 2–3) who can walk unaided and have no recent intra-articular injections or major comorbidities.

Probably not a fit

Patients with aquaphobia, significant cardiovascular or other systemic disease, or those unable to participate in either aquatic or land-based therapy may not benefit.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study compares aquatic and land-based Mulligan mobilization with movement for people with knee osteoarthritis. Participants will be adults aged 40–65 with bilateral OA and moderate radiographic changes (Kellgren–Lawrence grades 2–3). The trial will assess changes in pain and functional ability to determine if the aquatic environment provides additional benefits. Outcomes will inform whether water-based therapy can enhance everyday function and quality of life for this population. The study is conducted under Riphah International University with recruitment at Bahria Active in Rawalpindi.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If aquatic mobilization shows added benefits, patients may experience greater pain relief and improved function, potentially reducing disability.

How similar studies have gone: Prior work in musculoskeletal rehab has shown promise for aquatic therapy, but direct head-to-head comparisons with Mulligan mobilization in knee OA are less established.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 40-65 years
* Bilateral knee osteoarthritis diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology Clinical Classification system for at least 1 year
* Kellgren \& Lawrence grade 2 and 3
* Able to walk independently/unaided

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active participation in gyms, pool(swimming), or any other physical activity
* Intra-articular corticosteroid injections in the last 3 months or hyaluronic knee injection in the last 6 months.
* History of lower limb trauma/surgery, presence of fracture or lower limb deformity, or planned surgery within the study period
* Any diagnosed severe cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, or psychological disease/impairment.
* Individuals with aquaphobia (fear of water), discomfort performing aquatic exercises, or allergy/sensitivity to chlorine or other pool treatment chemicals.

Where it's running

  • Bahria Active
    Rawalpindi, Pakistan
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.