Eccentric gastrocnemius strengthening vs low-load blood flow restriction training for knee osteoarthritis

Is this trial a fit for you?

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 for knee osteoarthritis: eccentric gastrocnemius strengthening and low-load blood flow restriction training. Eligible adults aged 40-70 with symptomatic knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grades 1-3) and sufficient pain and strength will participate under supervised conditions. Outcomes focus on neuromuscular adaptations, muscle strength, functional performance, and disability to see which method better supports daily movement. The trial is conducted at Railway General Hospital in Rawalpindi with Riphah International University as the lead sponsor. Safety screenings exclude individuals with prosthetic knees, inflammatory arthritis, or cardiovascular, pulmonary, or clotting contraindications to exercise.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age group 40-70
* Both genders male and female
* Clinical diagnosis of knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1-3) of the most symptomatic knee.
* Pain stable enough to permit exercise on Numeric Pain Rating Scale 3/10.
* Participants must demonstrate a gastrocnemius muscle strength of grade ≥3 on the Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) scale (0-5), assessed using the standard standing heel-rise position.
* Participants must be able to ambulate independently and participate in supervised exercise.

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Presence of a prosthetic knee in the affected limb.

  * Inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) or active flare-up of OA.
  * Cardiovascular disease contraindicating exercise (e.g., unstable angina, recent MI, uncontrolled hypertension ≥160/100 mmHg).
  * Pulmonary disease that limits safe participation (e.g., severe COPD, recent exacerbation).
  * History of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), peripheral vascular disease, or bleeding/clotting disorders.
  * Current anticoagulant therapy that increases bleeding risk (unless cleared by physician).
  * Any pathology causing significant muscle weakness (e.g., neuromuscular disorders, severe neuropathy).

Where it's running

• Railway General Hospital, Rawalpindi
  Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Kinza Anwar, Ms-Ompt — Riphah International University
• Study coordinator: Kinza Anwar, Ms-Ompt
• Email: kinza.anwar@riphah.edu.pk
• Phone: +92-3239735427

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.