Percutaneous electrical stimulation and exercise program for knee osteoarthritis

Efficacy of Percutaneous Electrical Stimulation Compared to Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation in Combination With an Education and Exercise Program in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

This study is testing whether a combination of electrical stimulation, exercise, and pain education can help people with knee osteoarthritis feel less pain and move better.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Ages: 45 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Madrid)
• Trial ID: NCT05955430 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous electrical stimulation combined with therapeutic exercise and pain education in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis. Participants will receive either the active treatment or a placebo to compare outcomes related to pain intensity and functionality. The study seeks to address the gap in evidence regarding the benefits of combining these treatment strategies for managing knee osteoarthritis. By assessing the impact of these interventions, the study hopes to provide insights into improved management of this common condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 45 and older with knee osteoarthritis experiencing activity-related joint pain and moderate physical inactivity.

Not a fit: Patients with other significant health conditions or pain in other body areas that limit mobility may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and improve functionality for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, but this specific combination of treatments is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 45 years
* Have activity related joint pain
* Have morning stiffness ≤30 min
* Knee pain of at least 6 months duration
* OA diagnosis by physician
* Current levels of moderate/vigorous physical activity (MVPA) below physical activity guideline recommendations (\< 150 min/week of MVPA; assessed using the Active Australia Physical Activity Questionnaire)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Health conditions that prevent safe participation in physical activity interventions as listed in the American College of Sports Medicine Guidelines (e.g., cardiac or lung disease).
* Pain in other body areas that currently limits walking ability (e.g., back pain, foot pain, hip pain)
* Neurological disorders affecting lower limb movement (e.g., multiple sclerosis or stroke).
* Inflammatory arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis)
* Fibromyalgia
* Previously operated knee is the most painful knee
* Any condition impacting decision-making/memory (e.g., Alzheimer's, dementia)
* Severe depression
* Current moderate/vigorous physical activity levels above guideline recommendations (≥150 min/week; assessed using the Active Australia Physical Activity Questionnaire)
* Currently undergoing regular, active intervention for the knee (e.g., seeing a physiotherapist)
* Unable to commit to study requirements (unable to attend study appointments or complete study outcomes)

Where this trial is running

Madrid

• Universidad Rey Juan Carlos — Madrid, Spain (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Josué Fernández Carnero, PhD — Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
• Study coordinator: Leonardo Rodríguez Lagos, MSc

Conditions: Knee Osteoarthritis, Physiotherapy, Physical Therapy, Conditioned Pain Modulation, Temporal Summation of pain, Knee pain, PENS, Percutaneous electrical stimulation