Comparing two rehabilitation methods for knee osteoarthritis

Rehabilitation With Blood Flow Restriction Training to Enhance Anti-gravity Treadmill Effects in the Treatment of Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: a Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona · NCT05728827

This study is testing if adding blood flow restriction to anti-gravity treadmill exercises can help people aged 45 to 80 with knee osteoarthritis recover better than just using the treadmill alone.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages45 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorEnte Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona (other)
Locations1 site (Lugano)
Trial IDNCT05728827 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of a rehabilitation protocol that combines blood flow restriction with an anti-gravity treadmill against a control group using only the anti-gravity treadmill. Participants aged 45 to 80 with diagnosed knee osteoarthritis will be randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. Both groups will also engage in a standardized aerobic and strength management program for knee osteoarthritis. The goal is to determine if the addition of blood flow restriction enhances rehabilitation outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 45 to 80 with a medical diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis confirmed by radiological evidence.

Not a fit: Patients younger than 45 or older than 80, those with substance abuse issues, or individuals unable to follow study procedures may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation strategies for patients with knee osteoarthritis, potentially enhancing their mobility and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of blood flow restriction and anti-gravity treadmill training is novel, similar rehabilitation approaches have shown promise in improving outcomes for knee osteoarthritis in other studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age included between 45 and 80 years old
* Patients with knee OA diagnosed by a medical doctor with a radiological confirmation
* Patients able to provide informed consent and follow all the study procedures as indicated by the protocol
* Informed Consent as documented by signature

Exclusion Criteria:

* Younger than 44 years old or older than 81 years old included
* Known drug or alcohol abuse
* Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems, psychological disorders, dementia, etc.
* Participation in another study with an investigational drug within the 30 days preceding and during the present study
* Treatment with an injective approach in the previous 3 month
* Surgical treatment in the previous 12 months.

Where this trial is running

Lugano

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Knee Osteoarthritis

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.