Gastrocnemius myofascial release for women with knee osteoarthritis
Effect of Gastrocnemius Myofascial Release on Pain and Physical Function Outcomes in Females With Knee Osteoarthritis
This trial will test whether adding gastrocnemius myofascial release to standard physical therapy helps reduce pain and improve function in women 45–55 with knee osteoarthritis.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 45 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Giza, Giza Governorate) |
| Trial ID | NCT07507175 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional trial compares gastrocnemius myofascial release plus conventional physical therapy to sham gastrocnemius myofascial release plus conventional physical therapy in females with knee osteoarthritis. Participants receive real or sham gastrocnemius MFR three times per week for four weeks while both groups undergo standard physical therapy. Outcomes measured include pain, physical function, foot posture, and knee disability assessed before and after the intervention. The single-center trial is conducted at the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University and enrolls women with radiographic grade II–III knee osteoarthritis, BMI ≤35, and baseline pain of at least 4/10.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 45–55 with primary knee osteoarthritis grade II–III (Kellgren–Lawrence), BMI ≤35, current pain ≥4/10, and at least one active gastrocnemius trigger point.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced (grade IV) knee osteoarthritis, BMI >35, no gastrocnemius trigger points, or significant comorbidities may be unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding gastrocnemius myofascial release could offer a low-cost, noninvasive way to reduce pain and improve mobility for middle-aged women with knee osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have performed: Small trials and case series have suggested myofascial release can reduce pain and improve function in knee osteoarthritis, but high-quality evidence is limited and results are mixed.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients' ages ranged between 45 and 55 years . * BMI ≤35 * Patients with a diagnosis of primary KOA according to the American College of Rheumatology classification at the screening visit . * Onset of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis of ≥3 months * Patients with grade II and III OA of the Kellgren and Lawrence system for classification of osteoarthritis . * At least one active trigger point in GM * If both knees were diagnosed as OA, the most affected one was selected. * Current pain intensity on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) ≥4/10. * Subjects have sufficient cognition that enables them to understand the requirements of the study, comply with the study procedures, and visit schedule. * Diagnostic Criteria of KOA A diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis was made when knee pain is present, plus Osteophytes on radiographs, plus at least 1 of the following 3: * Age \> 50 years * Morning stiffness \< 30 minutes * Crepitus on active motion Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with any previous knee surgeries or lower limb fractures. * Chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. * Signs of moderately significant knee synovitis include a warm and swollen (red) knee * History and/or physical examination findings compatible with knee internal derangement (e.g, positive Thessaly test). * Pregnancy * Patients who had undergone arthroscopy or treatment with intra-articular hyaluronic acid during the previous 6 months . * Use of NSAIDs one week before the screening visit . * Orthopedic diseases, or congenital musculoskeletal deformities, or neurological disorders that may affect or interfere with the therapeutic effect. * Participated in other intervention studies (strength training program or physiotherapy treatment for knee osteoarthritis) in the current period and the past 6 months . * Habitual use of psychotropic or narcotic analgesics for ≥1 week within 8 weeks prior to screening .
Where this trial is running
Giza, Giza Governorate
- Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University — Giza, Giza Governorate, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hend Hammam Soliman, Bachelor's Degree
- Email: hendhammam18@live.com
- Phone: +201008380834
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.