Comparing electrical dry needling and iontophoresis for knee osteoarthritis treatment

Electrical Dry Needling Versus Iontophoresis in Treating Chronic Unilateral Knee Osteoarthritis

Not applicable Interventional Horus University · NCT06578663

This study is testing whether electrical dry needling or a special drug delivery method can help people with knee osteoarthritis feel less pain and move better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorHorus University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Damieta)
Trial IDNCT06578663 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of electrical dry needling and glucosamine sulfate iontophoresis in treating chronic unilateral knee osteoarthritis. The study will assess pain intensity, functional ability, and range of motion in patients diagnosed with knee OA. Electrical dry needling involves using needle electrodes to deliver an electric current to trigger points, while iontophoresis is a non-invasive method that enhances drug delivery. The goal is to determine which treatment provides better outcomes for patients suffering from this condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 40 to 60 with a diagnosis of Kellgren/Lawrence grade 2 or 3 knee osteoarthritis and a body mass index between 25 and 29.9.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of cardiac disorders, knee surgeries, diabetes, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with more effective treatment options for managing knee osteoarthritis pain and improving mobility.

How similar studies have performed: While there is existing research on both electrical dry needling and iontophoresis, this specific comparison is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. The patient will be selected from the outpatient clinic of physical therapy at Horus University, New Damietta, Egypt, diagnosed with a Kellgren/Lawrence grade 2,3 radiological severity of knee osteoarthritis (OA). and referred by an orthopedist.
2. Age will range from 40 to 60 years.
3. Body mass index will range from 25 to 29.9 kg/m2.
4. Duration of knee pain not less than 3 months prior to study .

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with history of cardiac disorder with pacemaker.
2. Knee surgery.
3. Diabetes and nutritional disorder.
4. Neuromuscular and other musculoskeletal diseases.
5. Any red flags to dry needling, or conventional therapy.
6. Had received physical therapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic, or intra-articular injections for the painful knee in the last 3 months.
7. Presented with positive neurological signs.

Where this trial is running

Damieta

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 Osteoarthritis of Knee
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.