Quadriceps muscle oxygen and recovery in people with knee osteoarthritis
Muscle Oxygenation and Recovery Dynamics in Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Case-Control Study
This study will test whether quadriceps (VMO) muscle oxygen levels at rest, during exercise, and during recovery differ between adults aged 45–65 with bilateral moderate knee osteoarthritis and matched healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Ages | 45 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Bahçeşehir University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Büyükçekmece) |
| Trial ID | NCT07471204 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is an observational, cross-sectional comparison of vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) muscle oxygenation (SmO2) at rest, during a controlled exercise protocol, and throughout recovery in people with bilateral Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2–3 knee osteoarthritis versus age- and sex-matched healthy controls. SmO2 will be measured noninvasively while participants perform standardized quadriceps-loading tasks, and recovery dynamics will be recorded. The protocol also includes measurements of quadriceps strength, functional performance tests, and pain intensity to examine associations with SmO2 parameters. Testing is performed in person at the physiotherapy and rehabilitation laboratory in Istanbul.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults 45–65 years old with physician-diagnosed bilateral knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2–3), BMI under 30, not currently in a physiotherapy/rehabilitation program for knee OA, and able to complete exercise testing.
Not a fit: Patients with severe (grade 4) osteoarthritis, other lower-extremity orthopedic or vascular conditions, uncontrolled medical problems, BMI ≥30, very high physical activity (>600 MET-min/week), recent intra-articular knee injections, or cognitive/neurologic impairments are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If differences are identified, the findings could help tailor rehabilitation strategies to improve muscle oxygen delivery and recovery, potentially reducing pain and improving function.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has described quadriceps structural and circulation changes in knee OA and used muscle oxygenation measures in other groups, but exercise-induced SmO2 responses in knee OA are limited, so this application is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 45 and 65 years * Body mass index (BMI) below 30 kg/m² * Willingness to participate in the study Additional criteria for the knee osteoarthritis group: * Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis confirmed by a physician according to the American College of Rheumatology diagnostic criteria * Bilateral knee osteoarthritis classified as Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 or 3 Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of another orthopedic or rheumatologic condition affecting the lower extremity * Uncontrolled hypertension * Presence of lower extremity arterial or venous disorders * Presence of a neurological disease * Cognitive, learning, or perception impairments * Knee extension deficit * Physical activity level exceeding 600 MET-min/week according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF) * Participation in a physiotherapy and rehabilitation program for knee osteoarthritis within the last 6 months * Intra-articular knee injection within the past 6 months
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, Büyükçekmece
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Faculty of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Lab. — Istanbul, Büyükçekmece, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ayşem Ecem Özdemir, PT, Msc — Bahçeşehir University
- Study coordinator: Ayşem Ecem Özdemir, PT, Msc
- Email: aysemecem.ozdemir@bau.edu.tr
- Phone: +905375112777
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.