An interventional study of Tempo-controlled low-load resistance training and Conventional Physiotherapy Training in Knee Osteoarthritis, sponsored by University of Management and Technology Lahore. Not yet recruiting at 1 site in Pakistan. Open to participants aged 40 Years to 65 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-11-02.
Sponsored by University of Management and Technology Lahore · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of tempo-controlled low-load resistance training compared to conventional low-load resistance training on pain, muscle performance, and functional disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The study will recruit 32 participants aged 40-65 with Grade I-II knee osteoarthritis and randomly allocate them into two groups for a 6-week intervention at Ch Rehmat Ali Memorial Trust Hospital. Group A will perform strengthening exercises (such as sit-to-stand, mini squats, and leg raises) using a controlled 3-1-3 second tempo cadence (eccentric, isometric hold, concentric), while Group B will perform the same exercises at a self-selected speed; both groups will receive preparatory moist heat, warm-ups, knee isometrics, and Maitland mobilizations three times weekly. Primary outcomes-including pain intensity (NPRS), functional difficulty (WOMAC), walking endurance (6MWT), and mobility (TUG)-will be evaluated at baseline and 6 weeks to determine if tempo control offers a more effective, well-tolerated alternative for managing knee osteoarthritis.
3,407 studies on the registry are indexed under Osteoarthritis, Knee; 638 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 32 is below the median of 69 across 2,822 interventional studies indexed under Osteoarthritis, Knee.
Browse Osteoarthritis, Knee studies →University of Management and Technology Lahore is the lead sponsor of 34 studies on the registry; 19 are open to participants now.
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Patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis according to clinical criteria. Age between 40-65 years. Both male and female participants. NPRS pain score between >3/10 and 6/10. Radiographic grade I-II knee osteoarthritis. Ability to walk independently without assistive device.
Exclusion Criteria:
Recent knee surgery within the last six months. Inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Severe diagnosed cardiovascular or neurological disorders. Intra-articular injections within previous three months. Uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes. Severe diagnosed knee deformities requiring surgical intervention. Cognitive impairment (Parkinson) affecting exercise participation.
Participants will receive a 10-minute moist heat application, followed by a 5-10-minute warm-up, knee isometric exercises, and Maitland mobilization. The intervention will include sit-to-stand, mini squats, straight leg raises, step-ups, terminal knee extensions, and seated knee extensions. Each exercise will be performed at a controlled tempo of 3 seconds eccentric, 1-second isometric hold, and 3 seconds concentric, with 3 sets of 10 repetitions and 1-minute rest intervals between sets. Exercise progression will be individualized according to patient tolerance.
Other: Tempo-controlled low-load resistance training
Participants will receive the same initial physiotherapy treatment and strengthening exercises as Group A, but the exercises will be performed at a self-selected speed without tempo control. Each exercise will consist of 3 sets of 10 repetitions. Both groups will receive treatment three times per week for six weeks.
Other: Conventional Physiotherapy Training
The intervention will include sit-to-stand, mini squats, straight leg raises, step-ups, terminal knee extensions, and seated knee extensions. Each exercise will be performed at a controlled tempo of 3 seconds eccentric, 1-second isometric hold, and 3 seconds concentric, with 3 sets of 10 repetitions and 1-minute rest intervals between sets. will receive treatment three times per week for six weeks.
Participants will receive the same initial physiotherapy treatment and strengthening exercises as Group A, but the exercises will be performed at a self-selected speed without tempo control. Each exercise will consist of 3 sets of 10 repetitions and will receive treatment three times per week for six weeks.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is an 11-point numerical scale used to assess pain intensity. Scores range from 0, indicating no pain, to 10, representing the worst imaginable pain. Participants rate their perceived knee pain, and changes in scores are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions in reducing pain intensity.
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
WOMAC Function Subscale
The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Function Subscale is a disease-specific questionnaire used to assess physical disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis. It evaluates the degree of difficulty experienced during daily activities, including stair climbing, sitting, standing, walking, and household tasks. Changes in scores indicate improvements or worsening in functional ability.
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
The Six-Minute Walk Test is a functional performance test used to assess walking endurance and functional exercise capacity. Participants are instructed to walk as far as possible for six minutes, and the total distance covered is recorded in meters. An increase in walking distance indicates improved functional exercise capacity and mobility.
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test
The Timed Up and Go Test is a clinical assessment tool used to measure functional mobility and dynamic balance. Participants are instructed to rise from a chair, walk three meters, turn around, return to the chair, and sit down. The total time required to complete the task is recorded in seconds. A reduction in completion time generally indicates improved functional mobility and movement performance.
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Plan to share: Yes — The results data collected , de-identified individual participant data will be shared.
Supporting information: Study protocol, Statistical analysis plan, Informed consent form
Time frame: 6 months after the publication of the manuscript.
Access criteria: The data can be requested from the corresponding author
Start is estimated for Oct 2026; primary completion for Dec 2026, 2 months later.
Of 1,149 non-industry interventional studies with no phase under Osteoarthritis, Knee, half reached primary completion within 17 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 8 and three quarters within 36. This study's planned 2 months is below that.
Counting every sponsor, half of 1,292 studies reached it within 17 months; a quarter within 8 and three quarters within 36.
How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.
From the registry record's own update history. This site started tracking changes on Sep 25, 2026; for anything earlier, see the record history on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
This study is not yet recruiting, as verified in Oct 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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University of Management and Technology Lahore