Extracorporeal shock wave versus exercise therapy for chronic knee osteoarthritis
Shock Wave Versus Traditional Physical Therapy for Adult Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | German International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo) |
| Trial ID | NCT07468734 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Cairo
- German International University — Cairo, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Magdy M Shabana, MD
- Email: magdy.shabana@giu-uni.de
- Phone: 00201006053332
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.