Extracorporeal shock wave versus exercise therapy for chronic knee osteoarthritis
Official title: Shock Wave Versus Traditional Physical Therapy for Adult Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by German International University · NCT07468734 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We will try extracorporeal shock wave therapy versus a structured exercise program to see which lowers pain and improves knee function in adults 40 and older with chronic knee osteoarthritis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | German International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 18, 2026 |
| Main results expected | November 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07468734 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 40 and older with radiographic Kellgren-Lawrence grade II–III knee osteoarthritis and persistent knee pain for at least three months who can consent and participate in treatments.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with recent knee surgery (within 6 months), intra-articular injections in the past 3 months, systemic inflammatory arthritis, neurological conditions affecting gait, or advanced end-stage (KL IV) disease may not receive benefit from the interventions tested.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional comparison enrolls adults with chronic knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade II–III) and persistent knee pain to receive either extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) or a supervised therapeutic exercise program. Eligible participants are age 40 or older with symptoms for at least three months and without recent knee surgery or recent intra-articular injections. Participants receive the assigned intervention and are followed for changes in pain and knee function using clinical measures and patient-reported outcomes. The design aims to determine whether the non-invasive ESWT provides greater symptom relief or functional improvement than structured exercise therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a non-invasive option that reduces pain and improves mobility for people with moderate knee osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have gone: Prior small studies and case series of ESWT for knee osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions have reported pain and function improvements, but results are mixed and larger confirmatory trials remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults ≥ 40 years with clinical and radiographic diagnosis of chronic knee osteoarthritis (KOA) (Kellgren-Lawrence grade II-III). * Both sexes. * Persistent knee pain ≥ 3 months. * Ability to provide consent and participate in interventions. Exclusion Criteria: * Prior knee surgery within last 6 months. * Intra-articular injections in the last 3 months. * Systemic inflammatory arthritis or other neurological conditions affecting gait.
Where it's running
-
German International University
Cairo, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Magdy M Shabana, MD
- Email: magdy.shabana@giu-uni.de
- Phone: 00201006053332
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Multimodal Electrotherapy vs Shock Wave Therapy for Menopausal Lateral Epicondylalgia
This trial tests whether a combination of low level laser therapy and interferential current works better or worse than shock wave therapy for relieving elbow pain in menopausal women with tennis elbow.
-
Effect of shockwave or electromagnetic therapy with pelvic floor training on female sexual dysfunction
This trial tests whether adding shockwave therapy or pulsed electromagnetic field therapy to pelvic floor training helps women with sexual dysfunction.
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.