Shock Waves for Knee Osteoarthritis

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study evaluates the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on pain and function in adults with knee osteoarthritis. Participants are assigned to an ESWT group or an exercise-only group to compare outcomes. The treatment targets symptomatic knee OA with grade 2–3 Kellgren-Lawrence changes, and includes follow-up for pain, function, and tissue-level changes. Eligibility requires chronic knee pain, radiographic OA, and ability to participate in the prescribed therapies. The study aims to determine if ESWT provides additional benefit beyond a structured exercise program.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* persistent knee pain for at least 3 months, measured with a VAS scale of 4 or higher,
* clinical and radiological diagnosis confirming knee osteoarthritis grade 2 and 3 based on the Kellgren-Lawrence system,
* no history of physical therapy in the last 3 months,
* no infections, tumors in the treatment area of the knee,
* no pathology other than osteoarthritis that could cause knee pain,
* no pathology of the lumbar spine or hip that could refer knee pain,
* free from any condition that prevents participation in exercise or physical therapy willing to participate regularly in the treatment programs were included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* inability to walk,
* a history of clinically symptomatic spinal stenosis or lumbar radiculopathy,
* evidence of a neurological disorder based on history or physical examination,
* generalized pain or fibromyalgia,
* secondary osteoarthritis (to metabolic or rheumatologic disease),
* administration of intra-articular injections (anesthetic, hyaluronic acid, cortisone) of the knee in the last 6 months,
* use of NSAIDs, paracetamol or topical agents in the previous week,
* a previous history of surgery involving the knee joint,
* contraindications to physical therapy (PM, epilepsy, neoplasia, coagulopathy, pregnancy).

Where it's running

• Policlinico di Bari
  Bari, Italy Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Angela Notarnicola, M.D.Ph.D.
• Email: angelanotarnicola@yahoo.it
• Phone: +39 0805592938

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.