High-intensity laser versus standard physical therapy for knee osteoarthritis

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a randomized comparative trial enrolling 100 adults with ACR-confirmed knee osteoarthritis at rehabilitation centers in Erbil, Iraq. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either high-intensity laser therapy combined with therapeutic exercise or conventional physical therapy modalities combined with the same exercise program. The primary outcome is pain intensity at four weeks measured by WOMAC/VAS, with additional assessments of joint function, MRI structural changes, and laboratory markers of inflammation and cartilage health over follow-up. Safety and adverse events related to the interventions will also be recorded.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of Knee Osteoarthritis: Patients must have a clinical and radiographic diagnosis of knee OA according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, including evidence of joint space narrowing, osteophyte formation, and other degenerative changes observed on X-rays or MRI.

Age: Adults aged between 40 and 75 years. Willingness to Participate: Participants must provide informed consent and be willing to adhere to the study protocol, including attending all treatment sessions and follow-up assessments.

Kellgren-Lawrence Grade: Patients with knee OA grades 1-3 (mild to moderate OA).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindications to Laser Therapy:

Active malignancy History of epilepsy Photosensitivity disorders Active infection in the treatment area

Surgical History:

Patients who have undergone knee surgery within the past 6 months Scheduled surgery during the study period

Advanced Disease:

Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 4 (severe OA) where surgical intervention is indicated

Pregnancy or Lactation:

Pregnant or lactating women

Severe Comorbidities:

Uncontrolled diabetes Severe cardiovascular disease Neurological disorders that might interfere with participation or affect treatment outcomes

Where it's running

• Aylan Center
  Erbil, Erbil Governorate, Iraq Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Mahdi Qadir, PhD
• Email: mahdiqader@epu.edu.iq
• Phone: +9647504631542

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Perturbation-based balance training vs progressive neuromuscular training alongside standard physiotherapy for knee osteoarthritis

  This trial tests whether perturbation-based balance training adds benefit over progressive neuromuscular training when used with usual physiotherapy for people with knee osteoarthritis and chronic knee pain.

  Recruiting Ibadat International University, Islamabad · Islamabad, ICT · NCT07653841

• Single-center, first-in-human injection of ceAF for knee osteoarthritis

  This early-stage study tests a single knee injection of ceAF to see if it is safe and helps reduce pain and improve function in adults with knee osteoarthritis.

  Recruiting Phase 1 Anhui HygeianCells BioMedical Co., Ltd. · Huangshan City, Anhui · NCT07902128

• Radial Shock Wave Therapy for knee bone marrow edema in people with knee OA

  A noninvasive shock wave therapy is tested to see if it helps people aged 40–70 with knee osteoarthritis and bone marrow edema.

  Recruiting Dokuz Eylul University · Izmir, Balcova · NCT07887893

• Motivational Interviewing Plus Exercise for knee osteoarthritis

  This study tests whether adding motivational interviewing to a neuromuscular and home exercise program helps people with knee osteoarthritis improve pain control and get more active.

  Recruiting Kutahya Health Sciences University · Afyonkarahisar, Türkiye · NCT07767812

• How patient education helps people with chronic musculoskeletal pain stick to home exercise for pain relief

  A structured patient education program is tested to see if it helps people with chronic low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, and shoulder problems stick with their home exercise plan to relieve pain.

  Recruiting Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University · Dammam, Eastern Province · NCT07764354

• Eccentric gastrocnemius strengthening vs low-load blood flow restriction training for knee osteoarthritis

  This study tests whether eccentric strengthening of the calf muscle or low-load blood flow restriction training can improve strength and function in people with knee osteoarthritis.

  Recruiting Riphah International University · Rawalpindi, Punjab Province · NCT07733518

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.