Training to change calf muscle activation in people with knee osteoarthritis
Official title: Effects of Haptic Movement Retraining on Osteoarthritis Progression
Run by Stanford University · NCT06208631 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if giving real-time feedback on calf muscle use can help people with knee osteoarthritis walk better and feel less pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 31 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stanford, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 18, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06208631 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis for at least six months who can walk without aids and have manageable pain levels.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe knee malalignment, significant obesity, or other lower limb joint issues may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of haptic biofeedback in helping individuals with knee osteoarthritis learn to alter their calf muscle activation while walking. Participants will receive real-time feedback on their gastrocnemius muscle activation to reduce knee loading, which may alleviate pain and improve mobility. The training consists of up to three sessions, each lasting 30 minutes, where participants will practice walking with the feedback provided. The goal is to determine if participants can successfully adjust their muscle activation to benefit their knee condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved mobility and reduced pain for patients with knee osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that altering muscle activation can reduce knee loading, but this specific approach using haptic feedback in knee osteoarthritis has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Medial and/or lateral compartment knee osteoarthritis * Diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis of at least six months duration * Ambulatory without aids * Able to walk for at least 60 minutes * Typical pain rating of 1-4 on scale of 0-10 * Able to reduce gastrocnemius muscle activation by 10% from baseline Exclusion Criteria: * History of symptomatic arthritis in lower limb joints other than the knees * Replacement of any lower extremity joint * Symptoms originating from the patellofemoral joint * Body mass index equal to or greater than 35 * Nerve or muscle disease associated with walking difficulty * History of rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or autoimmune disease * History of lower limb fracture or surgery requiring hospitalization * Pregnant
Where it's running
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Stanford Human Performance Lab
Stanford, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Scott L Delp, PhD — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Study Team
- Email: oawalking@lists.stanford.edu
- Phone: 650-721-2547
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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.