Close vs. Open chain exercises with blood flow restriction for knee osteoarthritis
Official title: Comparison of Close Chain and Open Chain Exercises With Blood Flow Restriction in Knee Osteoarthritis
Run by Riphah International University · NCT07426549 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether close-chain exercises with blood flow restriction or open-chain exercises with blood flow restriction help reduce knee pain and improve motion, strength, and function in adults with knee osteoarthritis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 45 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Rawalpindi and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 30, 2026 |
| Main results expected | October 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 7, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07426549 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 45-75 with radiographic KOA grade 1 or 2, unilateral symptoms, not currently receiving KOA therapies, and without contraindicating medical conditions.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants with knee conditions outside KOA grade 1-2, bilateral KOA, recent knee surgery, uncontrolled blood pressure, or contraindications to blood flow restriction 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 randomized trial compares two exercise approaches that use blood flow restriction in adults with mild knee osteoarthritis. Participants are 45-75 years old with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1 or 2 KOA and are assigned to either closed kinetic chain or open kinetic chain exercises, both with blood flow restriction, over four weeks. Outcomes include pain, range of motion, muscle strength, and functional performance measured by NPRS, WOMAC, goniometer, dynamometer, and a chair stand test. The study is conducted at two Rawalpindi centers with 40 participants and uses SPSS for data analysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients might experience less pain and better knee function with a targeted, blood flow–restricted exercise program.
How similar studies have gone: Similar approaches with blood flow restriction have shown promise in improving pain and function in knee OA, though results vary and larger trials are needed.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Radiologic confirmation of KOA demonstrating Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1 or 2. * Exhibited symptoms of unilateral KOA. * Not taking any medications for KOA or receiving other treatments (including physiotherapy). * Willing to participate without any neurological symptoms were the main objects of study. Exclusion Criteria: * A history of knee surgery or scheduled surgery. * Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 or 4. * Systolic blood pressure over 160 mm Hg or under 100 mm Hg. * Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the past 3 months. * Any known vascular disease or any diagnosed blood pathology. * Concomitant symptomatic hip or ankle pathology that could influence knee pain or function.
Where it's running
-
Medistic Medical and Dental Center
Rawalpindi, Pakistan Recruiting -
Pakistan Railway General Hospital
Rawalpindi, Pakistan Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Muhammad Affan Iqbal, PhD* — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Imran Amjad, PhD
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 03324390125
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.