Improving stair climbing in knee osteoarthritis with flywheel eccentric training
Official title: Exploring the Benefits of Eccentric Training for Aging Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis
Run by University of Colorado, Denver · NCT07424352 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Denver Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, Colorado) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 20, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | May 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | February 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07424352 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Flywheel-based eccentric overload training has produced muscle strength and functional gains in other populations, but direct evidence in knee osteoarthritis remains limited.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.