Cognitive Muscular Therapy for knee pain relief before joint replacement

Cognitive Muscular Therapy for People Awaiting Knee Joint Replacement

Not applicable Interventional University of Salford · NCT05801510

This study is testing if Cognitive Muscular Therapy can help people with knee pain feel better while they wait for knee joint replacement surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Salford Academic / other
Locations1 site (Manchester, Greater Manchester)
Trial IDNCT05801510 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Cognitive Muscular Therapy (CMT) in providing pain relief for individuals awaiting knee joint replacement due to knee osteoarthritis. CMT is designed to reduce muscle overactivity, which is linked to increased pain and joint loading. The intervention will be modified based on insights from patients and clinicians to ensure it is suitable for those on the waiting list for surgery. Previous pilot data indicates significant pain reduction in patients who have undergone CMT, suggesting its potential as a beneficial treatment option.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals over 40 years old with a radiological diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis who are on an orthopedic waiting list for at least 6 months.

Not a fit: Patients with major cognitive impairments, previous knee replacements, or certain inflammatory disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly reduce pain and improve quality of life for patients awaiting knee joint replacement.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar interventions, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion:

1. Above 40 years old
2. Speak and understand English sufficient to read the information sheet and sign the consent form
3. Ability to walk without any assistive device for at 20m (to ensure sufficient mobility to complete the intervention)
4. Radiological diagnosis of knee OA
5. On orthopaedic waiting but currently expected to wait at least 6 months for surgery (this will ensure that that the patient's care pathway is not affected)

Exclusion:

1. Dementia or other major cognitive impairment.
2. BMI \>30 (as increased subcutaneous fat prevents collection of surface EMG signals)
3. Previous knee replacement
4. Any active systemic inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis with patient taking immunosuppressant drugs or steroids
5. Any balance disorders which may increase the risk of a fall
6. A history of rupture to the anterior cruciate ligament/ posterior cruciate ligament/ medial collateral ligament/ lateral collateral ligament
7. A diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis
8. A diagnosis of post traumatic arthritis for example after a previous tibial plateau/ patella fracture
9. A diagnosis of septic arthritis

Where this trial is running

Manchester, Greater Manchester

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Knee OsteoarthritisCognitive Muscular Therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.