Gait retraining to improve knee biomechanics in osteoarthritis patients

Comparison of the Effects of Gait Modification Strategies on Knee Adduction Moment in Patients With Medial Knee Osteoarthritis: Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional George Mason University · NCT03663790

This study tests if special walking exercises can help people with knee osteoarthritis improve their knee movement and reduce pain.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment51 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorGeorge Mason University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Manassas, Virginia)
Trial IDNCT03663790 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of gait retraining on lower extremity biomechanics in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Fifty-one participants will undergo baseline assessments of their gait before being randomized into either a control group or an experimental group that receives tailored gait modifications. The intervention involves eight sessions over ten weeks, focusing on specific strategies to reduce knee adduction moment. The study aims to evaluate both immediate and long-term changes in knee biomechanics resulting from these interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 with a clinical diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis who can walk unaided for at least 20 minutes.

Not a fit: Patients with a body mass index greater than 35 or those who have had recent knee surgeries or other conditions affecting ambulation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved knee function and reduced pain for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have performed: While gait retraining has been explored in other contexts, this specific approach focusing on knee osteoarthritis is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* a clinical diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis by a qualified health professional such as an orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist
* between the ages of 18 and 80
* able to walk unaided for a minimum of 20 minutes

Exclusion Criteria:

* body mass index greater than 35
* history of lower back, hip or, knee surgery within the last 2 years
* knee arthroscopy or pharmacological injection in the previous six months
* neurological, or musculoskeletal conditions affecting ambulation
* cognitive impairment that would inhibit motor learning
* use of gait aid, orthotic shoe inserts, or hinged knee brace

Where this trial is running

Manassas, Virginia

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.
Conditions Knee Osteoarthritisosteoarthritisbiomechanicsgait retrainingreal-time biofeedbackknee
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.