Diagonal PNF exercises versus conventional strength training for knee osteoarthritis pain and function
Official title: Effects of Diagonal Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Patterns on Pain and Functional Outcomes in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis
Run by University of Karachi · NCT07396233 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether diagonal PNF pattern exercises reduce pain and improve function in people aged 40–60 with knee osteoarthritis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Karachi Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Karachi, Sindh and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 7, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 19, 2027 |
| Study ends | February 22, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | February 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07396233 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 40–60 with unilateral or bilateral grade II–III knee osteoarthritis, chronic symptoms longer than 3 months, and baseline pain above about 3.4 cm on the VAS are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with neurological disorders, prior knee surgery, septic or inflammatory arthritis, malignancy, major knee deformities, or ligamentous/meniscal injuries are excluded and may not benefit from the results.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized study in Karachi will enroll 150 patients aged 40–60 with grade II–III knee osteoarthritis and randomly assign 75 to diagonal proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercises and 75 to conventional strength training, with heat therapy given to both groups. Outcomes including pain intensity, knee range of motion, functional disability, hamstring flexibility, dynamic balance, and fatigue will be measured at baseline and after the 18th treatment session. Data will be analyzed using SPSS v23 with repeated measures ANOVA and significance set at p<0.05. Participants are recruited through purposive sampling and give written informed consent prior to enrollment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a physiotherapy exercise option that lowers pain and improves knee function for people with moderate knee osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have gone: PNF techniques have shown benefits for strength, flexibility, and pain in small rehabilitation studies, but direct evidence comparing diagonal PNF to conventional training specifically in knee osteoarthritis is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Both male and females with an age range between 40-60 years. * Patients diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral Knee OA. * Grade-II or grade-III on kellgren and Lawrence classification. * Patients having pain intensity more than 3.4 cm on VAS as minimum cut off value. * Duration of knee OA more than 3 months (chronic). Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with any neurological disorder. * History of lower limb arthroplasty or any other knee surgery. * Septic knee arthritis. * Inflammatory rheumatic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout. * Cancer or any other malignancy such as bone tumor. * Knee deformities such as contracture, genu valgum and genu varum. * History of ligamentous injury and meniscal tear.
Where it's running
-
Al-Rayaz Hospital
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan Recruiting -
Dr. Ziauddin Hospital
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rabia Hassan, MSAPT — Ziauddin University
- Study coordinator: Rabia Hassan, MSAPT
- Email: rabiahassan096@gmail.com
- Phone: +923345448859
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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.