Myofascial release versus cupping to improve quality of life in restless legs with knee osteoarthritis
Official title: Comparative Effectiveness of Myofacial Release vs Cupping Therapy on Quality of Life in Restless Leg Syndrome With Knee O.A.A RCT
Run by Dow University of Health Sciences · NCT06918847 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether adding myofascial release or cupping therapy to standard care helps people aged 40–70 with restless legs and knee osteoarthritis sleep and feel better.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 54 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Dow University of Health Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Karachi, Sindh) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 5, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 2025 |
| Study ends | July 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 7, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06918847 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults 40–70 years old with unilateral or bilateral knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2–4) who meet IRLSSG criteria for restless leg syndrome and can attend outpatient sessions in Karachi.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, neurological disorders, cognitive dysfunction, severe cardiovascular disease, severe psychiatric illness, pregnancy, or those outside the 40–70 age range are unlikely to be eligible or benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
A randomized controlled trial at the physiotherapy outpatient department of the Dow Institute will compare myofascial release and dynamic cupping therapy in adults who meet International Restless Leg Syndrome Study Group criteria and have Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2–4 knee osteoarthritis. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two intervention groups while both groups receive standard cryotherapy and passive lower-limb stretches. Outcomes focused on quality of life and sleep-related symptoms will be recorded at baseline and after the intervention period. The trial excludes patients with cognitive dysfunction, rheumatoid arthritis, neurological disorders, significant cardiovascular disease, severe psychiatric illness, or pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these therapies could offer a non-drug option to reduce restless leg symptoms, improve sleep, and enhance quality of life for people with knee osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have gone: Small trials and case series suggest myofascial release and cupping can relieve musculoskeletal pain and improve sleep, but rigorous randomized evidence specifically for restless leg syndrome with knee osteoarthritis is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. grade 2, 3 and 4 knee OA by the Kellgren Lawrence classification 2. Bilateral or unilateral both knee OA 3. Age 40 to 70 years 4. Patients who were meeting the International Restless Leg Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) eligibility criteria Exclusion Criteria: 1. patients with cognitive dysfunction 2. Rheumatoid arthritis 3. patients with neurological disorders 4. Medical conditions covering (cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, severe psychiatric illness or pregnancy)
Where it's running
-
Dow Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Syeda Tooba Batool, doctor of physical therapy
- Email: stb.dow@gmail.com
- Phone: +923362196775
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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.