Improving stair climbing in knee osteoarthritis with flywheel eccentric training
Exploring the Benefits of Eccentric Training for Aging Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis
This trial will test whether using a flywheel machine for eccentric overload exercise helps people aged 40–70 with moderate knee osteoarthritis climb stairs more safely and more easily.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Denver Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, Colorado) |
| Trial ID | NCT07424352 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with radiographically confirmed moderate knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2–3) will perform supervised eccentric overload resistance training using a flywheel device and be compared with healthy control participants aged 40–70. The flywheel provides continuous resistance and extra challenge during the muscle-lengthening phase to target muscle quality, strength, and coordination. Advanced measures including ultrasound imaging and motion analysis will be used to track changes in muscle structure and stair-stepping mechanics, with stair-climbing function as a key outcome. Participants must be able to walk independently and meet cardiovascular and BMI eligibility limits.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults 40–70 years old with radiographic knee osteoarthritis (KL grade 2–3) who can walk independently and meet BMI and cardiovascular safety criteria.
Not a fit: People with severe knee disease (e.g., KL grade 4), recent hospitalization, uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions, neurological muscle weakness, BMI over 34.9, or a history of major knee surgery are unlikely to qualify or benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve muscle strength and coordination, making stair climbing smoother and lowering fall risk for people with knee osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have performed: Flywheel-based eccentric overload training has produced muscle strength and functional gains in other populations, but direct evidence in knee osteoarthritis remains limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria Osteoarthritis (OA) Group: * Aged 40-70 years * Radiographically confirmed knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence \[KL\] Grade 2 or 3) * Able to walk independently (assistive devices permitted) Inclusion Criteria Healthy Control Group: * Aged 40-70 years * No radiographic evidence of knee OA (KL Grade 0 or 1) * No frequent knee pain * No history of: * Knee surgery (e.g., ACL reconstruction, meniscectomy, patellar realignment) * Significant knee injury (e.g., ligament tears, fractures, dislocations) * Diagnosed knee conditions (e.g., patellofemoral pain syndrome, bursitis) Exclusion Criteria: * Uncontrolled hypertension or other cardiovascular disease * A musculoskeletal condition preventing physical testing * Neurological muscle weakness (e.g., stroke, spinal cord injury) * BMI \>34.9 kg/m² * Recent hospitalization (past 3 months)
Where this trial is running
Aurora, Colorado
- University of Colorado, Denver — Aurora, Colorado, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michael Harris-Love, PT, MPT, DSc, FGSA, FAPTA — University of Colorado, Denver
- Study coordinator: Katie Boncella, MS
- Email: katie.boncella@cuanschutz.edu
- Phone: 7207241786
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.