Testing exercise programs with and without rest for knee osteoarthritis

Mechanical and Molecular Determinants of Cartilage Response to Exercise

NA · University of Pittsburgh · NCT06857123

This study is testing two different exercise programs for people with knee osteoarthritis to see if taking longer breaks during workouts helps them feel better and move easier.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages45 Years to 79 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh (other)
Locations1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT06857123 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot trial evaluates the feasibility of two different exercise programs for individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an exercise program with standard resting intervals or one with extended rest periods. Both groups will engage in the exercise regimen three times a week for 12 weeks, with assessments conducted before and after the program to measure outcomes such as gait, muscle strength, and physical performance. The study also includes the collection of blood and synovial fluid samples for further analysis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 45 to 79 with early to moderate knee osteoarthritis who lead a sedentary lifestyle.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis or those who are already active in regular exercise may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved exercise protocols for managing knee osteoarthritis symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific comparison of resting intervals during exercise for knee osteoarthritis is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 45 and 79 yo.
* Clinical diagnosis of primary, early to moderate stage knee osteoarthritis.
* BMI range \< 35 kg/m2.
* Sedentary lifestyle
* Knee joint is the most painful joint in the body.
* Ability to speak and understand English.
* Willingness to comply with all study procedures and be available for the duration of the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-OA disease of the knee.
* Advanced knee osteoarthritis
* Knee injection in the past 3 months.
* Major knee trauma/surgery in the past 5 years or previous knee surgery with hardware limiting cartilage assessment..
* Participate in regular exercise or physical activity .
* Participation in an intervention study for knee OA.
* Currently using a cane, walker or crutches to walk.
* History of cardiovascular disease or hypertension not controlled by medication.
* Two or more unexplained falls in the past year.
* Inflammatory, autoimmune disorders, neurological, systemic, muscular, or connective tissue conditions that affect walking or ability to exercise.
* Contraindication to MRI.
* Medical condition or characteristic of the participant that could place the individual at increased risk or preclude s/he from complying with study procedures.
* Pregnant female.
* Acute or terminal illness.

Where this trial is running

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Knee Osteoarthristis, Knee, Osteoarthritis, exercise, feasibility

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.