Using shock wave therapy to treat knee osteoarthritis

Effectiveness of the Effect of Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Addition to Exercise on Pain, Functionality and Walking Distance in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · Ankara University · NCT06281444

This study is testing if a new shock wave therapy combined with exercise can help people aged 50-85 with knee osteoarthritis feel less pain and move better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment72 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorAnkara University (other)
Locations1 site (Ankara, Altındağ)
Trial IDNCT06281444 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) combined with exercise in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis. Participants aged 50-85 with a confirmed diagnosis will be randomly assigned to receive either the ESWT treatment or a sham treatment alongside exercise. The study will evaluate pain levels and functional status using visual analog scales, the WOMAC index, and a 6-minute walking test. The goal is to determine if ESWT can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life for these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 50-85 with a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis at stage 2 or above.

Not a fit: Patients with significant gait disorders, recent orthopedic interventions, or other serious medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide significant pain relief and improved mobility for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using shock wave therapy for various musculoskeletal conditions, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Being over 50-85 years old.
* Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis according to ACR clinical/radiological diagnostic criteria
* Stage 2 and above according to Kellgren Lawrence (K-L)
* Completion of Informed Signed Consent Form

Exclusion Criteria:

* Gait disorders due to orthopedic or neuromuscular disease
* Participation in a structured physical rehabilitation program in the last 12 months before the study
* Those who have had an intra-articular injection of the knee in the last 6 months
* History of lower extremity surgery
* Those with mechanical instability in the knee, a history of infection, malignancy
* Inflammatory rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis etc.)
* A medical diagnosis or self-reported cognitive impairment
* Presence of progressive cancer AND/OR other diseases that impair general condition
* Situations where ESWT application is contraindicated
* Patients with hip and/or ankle pathology

Where this trial is running

Ankara, Altındağ

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 Osteoarthritis, Knee osteoarthritis, Extracorporeal shock wave therapy

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.