Effects of TENS and exercise on knee osteoarthritis

Effects of TENS During the Performance of a Therapeutic Exercise Protocol in Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis: Controlled, Randomized, and Blinded Clinical Trial

NA · University of Nove de Julho · NCT06184451

This study tests if combining TENS therapy with exercise can help people over 40 with knee osteoarthritis feel less pain and move better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Nove de Julho (other)
Locations1 site (São Paulo)
Trial IDNCT06184451 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) combined with therapeutic exercises on individuals suffering from knee osteoarthritis. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either TENS with exercises or a placebo treatment alongside the exercises. The study aims to evaluate pain relief and functional improvement in patients diagnosed with unilateral knee osteoarthritis. Inclusion criteria focus on individuals aged 40 and over with specific clinical symptoms and radiographic evidence of the condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 40 years or older with unilateral knee osteoarthritis and specific clinical symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis, severe osteoporosis, or other specified exclusions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide significant pain relief and improved function for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with TENS in managing pain, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* clinical diagnosis of unilateral osteoarthritis of the knee
* presenting knee pain for more than three months
* morning stiffness for less than 30 minutes
* crepitus, bone tenderness, and absence of palpable heat.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Bilateral knee osteoarthritis, hip osteoarthritis
* severe osteoporosis
* fibromyalgia
* medical history of tumors or cancer
* active inflammatory joint diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, gout),
* undergoing any lower extremity joint replacement
* neurological diseases (Parkinson's disease, Accident Cerebral Vascular, Multiple Sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, motor neuron disease, Alzheimer's disease)
* infected wounds or osteomyelitis in the knee region
* deep vein thrombosis or thrombophlebitis
* sensory changes in the lower limbs
* cognitive and cardiopulmonary impairment that may prevent or limit performing the exercises
* using a walking assistance device
* having a history of recent trauma to the knee,
* having undergone any form of treatment involving physiotherapy
* intra-articular corticosteroids, anti-inflammatories, or chondroprotective in the six months before the start of the interventions.

Where this trial is running

São Paulo

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: Osteoarthritis, Knee

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.