Voodoo Flossing for Knee Osteoarthritis

Effects of Voodoo Flossing Technique on Pain, Range of Motion and Physical Function in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Control Study

This study will test whether adding Voodoo Flossing to standard physiotherapy helps people aged 45–65 with grade II knee osteoarthritis reduce pain and improve movement.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 42 (estimated)
• Ages: 45 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Riphah International University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province)
• Trial ID: NCT06986694 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial conducted at Riphah Rehabilitation Clinic and Horizon Hospital in Lahore over an 8-month period. Forty-two participants with Kellgren-Lawrence grade II knee osteoarthritis will be randomized into two groups: standard physiotherapy with aerobic and strengthening exercises, or the same program plus Voodoo Flossing. Outcomes measured before and after the intervention include pain (VAS), muscle strength (dynamometry), lower extremity function (LEFS), and knee-specific function (AKPS). The trial uses convenient sampling and aims to determine whether the addition of the flossing band yields greater short-term improvements in pain, range of motion, and function than physiotherapy alone.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 45–65 with chronic knee pain of at least 3 months, Kellgren-Lawrence grade II knee osteoarthritis, pain ≥2/10 when walking, and impaired mobility or poor WOMAC scores are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with KL grade I, III, or IV osteoarthritis, very severe walking pain (≥9/10), major physical or mental comorbidities, contraindications to exercise, suspicion of widespread chronic pain, or prior total knee replacement are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, adding Voodoo Flossing could offer a low-cost adjunct to physiotherapy that reduces pain and improves knee range of motion and daily function for people with grade II knee OA.

How similar studies have performed: Small randomized and non-randomized studies in other musculoskeletal conditions (shin splints, hamstring, ankle, and shoulder) have shown short-term improvements with flossing band techniques, but high-quality evidence in knee OA is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 45 and ≤ 65
* Both Male and Female
* Knee Pain persisting for at-least 3 months
* Pain severity during walking ≥ 2/10 on a Numeric Pain Rating Scale
* Walking and Balance (Mobility) problems according to Time Up \& Go (TUG) test
* Poor scoring on WOMAC scale for pain, stiffness and physical activities
* Knee OA Grade II (according to Kellgren-Lawrence method)
* Participants must provide informed consent for participation in RCT

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \< 45 and \> 65
* Severe Knee pain during Walking ≥ 9/10 on a Numeric Pain Rating Scale
* Knee OA Grade I, III \& IV (according to Kellgren-Lawrence method)
* Physical or Mental co-morbidity severely affecting daily life of patient
* Any Contraindication to provide Exercise Therapy
* Suspicion of chronic widespread pain (i.e., pain present for at least 3 months in at least three joints including left and right side of the body, above and below the waist, and the axial skeleton)
* Participant undergone total knee arthroplasty or on waiting list for total knee arthroplasty in any knee
* Any other reasons for knee pain than knee OA (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis and gout)
* Received intraarticular injections in past 6 months because of knee pain (Hyaluronic Gel or steroid)

Where this trial is running

Lahore, Punjab Province

• Horizon Hospital — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Hira Shaukat, TDPT — Riphah International University
• Study coordinator: Imran Amjad, Phd

Conditions: Knee Osteoarthritis, Pain, Range of Motion, Physiotherapy, Physical Function, Voodoo Flossing