Knee OsteoarthritisRISE-KOANCT06101797
Remote and In-person Supervised Exercise in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis
A study testing Remote supervised exercise group and In-person supervised exercise group in people with Knee Osteoarthritis, run by Federal University of Pelotas at 1 site in Brazil.
Trial summary
Exercise supervision via telehealth resources is an alternative to the in-person modality with similar therapeutic effectiveness across different clinical profiles. Especially in the context of knee osteoarthritis (OA), exercise is recommended by international guidelines. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 45 to 80 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Knee Osteoarthritis
- What is being tested?
- Remote supervised exercise group and In-person supervised exercise group
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 48 participants
- Where
- 1 siteBrazil
- Study dates
- 4 Dec 2023to 8 Mar 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 45 to 80 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients with a radiographic diagnosis of unilateral or bilateral knee OA and classified as grades II or III according to the Kellgren and Lawrence criteria (KELLGREN e LAWRENCE, 1957).
- Symptomatic patients according to following American College of Rheumatology criteria - average pain score ≥3 in the last week on the numerical rating scale (0-10), morning stiffness <30 minutes and joint crepitus (ALTMAN et al., 1986).
- Independent walking and internet access.
Who cannot join
- Patients with systemic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Neurological diseases with motor disability.
- Unstable heart diseases.
- History of total knee arthroplasty or lower extremity surgery.
- Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m².
- Physical therapy treatment or participation in a supervised exercise program in the last six months.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Brazil1 site
Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, 96055-630
About this study
Official title: Remote and In-person Supervised Exercise in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis (RISE-KOA): a Single Blinded, Randomized, Non-inferiority Trial.
Exercise supervision via telehealth resources is an alternative to the in-person modality with similar therapeutic effectiveness across different clinical profiles. Especially in the context of knee osteoarthritis (OA), exercise is recommended by international guidelines. However, it is necessary to elucidate the comparability of remote and in-person supervised exercise effectiveness for these patients. Therefore, the study's objective is to investigate the responses of a remote compared to the in-person supervised exercise program on patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs), muscular architecture, and the functional performance of patients with knee OA. Forty-eight patients with symptomatic and radiographic knee OA will be randomly assigned to remote or in-person exercise programs. The intervention will last 12 weeks, encompassing muscle-strengthening exercises for the lower extremities, with a frequency of twice a week for the initial two weeks and three sessions per week from the third week onwards. Supervision will be conducted remotely via video calls in one group, while the other will receive in-person supervision at a physiotherapy clinic. Program sessions will comprise six exercises. In the first session treatment block, exercises will be guided for the muscle groups of the knee extensors, hip adductors, and plantar flexors, and in the second block, for knee extensors, hip abductors, and knee flexors. After the 12-week supervised treatment period, participants will be encouraged to continue the same exercise program at home without a physiotherapist in the following six weeks. PROMs related to the joint condition will be measured, such as pain, symptoms, daily activities, sports and leisure activities, and quality of life. The psychological domain will also be evaluated, including pain catastrophizing, symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, and sleep quality. Additionally, measurements of the muscular architecture of the quadriceps femoris, including muscle thickness, pennation angle, fascicle length, and echo intensity, will be taken. Functional performance will be assessed through tests that include the skills of standing and sitting, walking and going up, and down stairs. PROMs will be measured at weeks 0, 6, 12, and 18. Muscular architecture and functional parameters will be measured at weeks 0 and 12. Data analysis will be conducted using Linear Mixed Models, and analysis will be presented by intention to treat and per protocol. The significance level adopted for this study will be α = 0.05.
- Conditions
- Knee Osteoarthritis
- Being tested
- Remote supervised exercise group, In-person supervised exercise group
- Medical subject headings
- Osteoarthritis, Knee
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Remote supervised exercise groupOther
The exercise protocol for this group consists of individualized muscle-strengthening exercises for the lower extremities supervised by video call. The intervention will occur 2-3 times per week, each lasting approximately 40 minutes. The exercise protocol will consist of six muscle-strengthening exercises for the lower extremities, which will be guided, alternating muscle groups. In the first two weeks of treatment, exercise intensity will be monitored for participants to complete two sets of 8-12 repetitions in dynamic exercises. From the third week onward, participants will progress to one additional set. Adjustments to weight-bearing, the external load imposed by the elastic band, and exercise position throughout the protocol will be performed to maintain the participant's level of effort. After supervised exercise treatment, patients will be encouraged to maintain an exercise routine with the same exercise protocol, however, without physiotherapy supervision.
In-person supervised exercise groupOther
The exercise protocol for this group consists of individualized muscle-strengthening exercises for the lower extremities supervised at a physiotherapy clinic. The intervention will occur 2-3 times per week, each lasting approximately 40 minutes. The exercise protocol will consist of six muscle-strengthening exercises for the lower extremities, which will be guided, alternating muscle groups. In the first two weeks of treatment, exercise intensity will be monitored for participants to complete two sets of 8-12 repetitions in dynamic exercises. From the third week onward, participants will progress to one additional set. Adjustments to weight-bearing, the external load imposed by the elastic band, and exercise position throughout the protocol will be performed to maintain the participant's level of effort. After supervised exercise treatment, patients will be encouraged to maintain an exercise routine with the same exercise protocol, however, without physiotherapy supervision.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Remote supervised exercise group | Experimental | The intervention will last 12 weeks and consist of muscle-strengthening exercises for the lower extremities supervised remotely by video call. Receives: Other: Remote supervised exercise group |
| In-person supervised exercise group | Experimental | The intervention will last 12 weeks and consist of muscle-strengthening exercises for the lower extremities supervised in person at a physiotherapy clinic. Receives: Other: In-person supervised exercise group |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain intensity
Average pain intensity in the last week will be assessed using an 11-point Pain Intensity Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), in which 0 corresponds to "no pain," and 10 represents "worst possible pain." NRS is a patient-reported outcome measure for assessment and clinical decision-making in patients with knee OA with good psychometric properties (ORNETTI et al., 2011).
Measured: Baseline (week 0), During intervention (week 6), Post-intervention (week 12).
Physical function
Physical function will be measured by Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) using an Activities of Daily Living subscale. The KOOS is a patient-reported outcome measure composed of 42 items divided into five subscales: Pain, other Symptoms, Activities of daily living, Sport and Recreation Function, and Knee-related Quality of Life. Its score ranges from 0 (extreme problem) to 100 (no problems) separately in each subscale (COLLINS et al., 2011). The Brazilian version of the KOOS questionnaire was recently validated, consisting of an instrument with validity, reliability, and responsiveness in patients with knee OA (ALMEIDA et al., 2022).
Measured: Baseline (week 0), During intervention (week 6), Post-intervention (week 12).
Secondary outcomes (17)
Pain intensity
Average pain intensity in the last week will be assessed using an 11-point Pain Intensity Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), in which 0 corresponds to "no pain," and 10 represents "worst possible pain." NRS is a patient-reported outcome measure for assessment and clinical decision-making in patients with knee OA with good psychometric properties (ORNETTI et al., 2011).
Measured: Follow up period (week 18).
Physical function
Physical function will be measured by Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) using an Activities of Daily Living subscale. The KOOS is a patient-reported outcome measure composed of 42 items divided into five subscales: Pain, other Symptoms, Activities of daily living, Sport and Recreation Function, and Knee-related Quality of Life. Its score ranges from 0 (extreme problem) to 100 (no problems) separately in each subscale (COLLINS et al., 2011). The Brazilian version of the KOOS questionnaire was recently validated, consisting of an instrument with validity, reliability, and responsiveness in patients with knee OA (ALMEIDA et al., 2022).
Measured: Follow up period (week 18).
Pain score
Pain will be measured by Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score using the pain subscale. Its score ranges from 0 (extreme problem) to 100 (no problems) (COLLINS et al., 2011).
Measured: Baseline (week 0), During intervention (week 6), Post-intervention (week 12), Follow up period (week 18).
Other Symptoms
Other symptoms (hear clicking, swelling, catching, restricted range of motion, and stiffness) will be measured by Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score using the other symptoms subscale. Its score ranges from 0 (extreme problem) to 100 (no problems) (COLLINS et al., 2011).
Measured: Baseline (week 0), During intervention (week 6), Post-intervention (week 12), Follow up period (week 18).
Sport and Recreation Function
Sport and Recreation Function will be measured by Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score using the Sport and Recreation Function subscale. Its score ranges from 0 (extreme problem) to 100 (no problems) (COLLINS et al., 2011).
Measured: Baseline (week 0), During intervention (week 6), Post-intervention (week 12), Follow up period (week 18).
Knee-related Quality of Life
Knee-related Quality of Life will be measured by Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score using the Knee-related Quality of Life subscale. Its score ranges from 0 (extreme problem) to 100 (no problems) (COLLINS et al., 2011).
Measured: Baseline (week 0), During intervention (week 6), Post-intervention (week 12), Follow up period (week 18).
Pain catastrophizing
Pain Catastrophizing Scale will measure pain catastrophizing. This instrument is a self-administered questionnaire, validated, translated into Brazilian Portuguese, and used to classify subjects with chronic pain as potential catastrophizers (SEHN et al., 2012; SULLIVAN, BISHOP, and PIVIK, 1995). The scale consists of 13 items related to self-reported catastrophic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 to 4, and the total score is generated by summing the scores of all items (0-52). Higher values indicate catastrophic thoughts about pain.
Measured: Baseline (week 0), During intervention (week 6), Post-intervention (week 12), Follow up period (week 18).
Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress
Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress will be measured by Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, which is a self-reported instrument validated and translated into Brazilian Portuguese (VIGNOLA and TUCCI, 2014). It consists of 21 items ranging from 0 to 3, divided into subscales of seven questions each. The highest score on each subscale represents more significant symptoms severity of depression, anxiety, and stress.
Measured: Baseline (week 0), During intervention (week 6), Post-intervention (week 12), Follow up period (week 18).
Sleep quality
The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index will measure sleep quality. The questionnaire, validated for the Brazilian population, comprises 19 self-reported questions and five questions directed to the roommate about sleeping habits in the last month. Questions directed to the roommate will not be considered as they are used to obtain clinical information. Thus, the 19 questions are categorized into seven components, graded on a score that ranges from 0 to 3. The sum of the scores of the seven components (subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disorders, use of sleeping medication, and daytime dysfunction) will result in a global score (0 to 21), where the highest score indicates worst sleep quality.
Measured: Baseline (week 0), During intervention (week 6), Post-intervention (week 12), Follow up period (week 18).
Sit-to-stand activity
The 30-s chair-stand test will measure sit-to-stand activity (DOBSON et al., 2013). Participants will be instructed to sit in the center of the chair, which will be positioned against the wall, with their upper limbs resting on their chest and their feet slightly apart and aligned with their hips. Initially, the participant will perform the test movements for familiarization and be instructed to sit down and get up from the chair as quickly as possible within 30 seconds. Thus, the measurement result will consist of a total number of complete chair stands in 30 s (up and down represent one stand) (Jones, Rikli, and Beam, 1999).
Measured: Baseline (week 0), and Post-intervention (week 12).
Ambulatory transition activity
The Timed Up \& Go test will measure ambulatory transition activity (DOBSON et al., 2013). Participants will be instructed to move from a seated position to standing, walk to a mark of 3 m, turn around, and return to the starting position. The measurement result will be expressed in seconds corresponding to task's completion period.
Measured: Baseline (week 0), and Post-intervention (week 12).
Short distance walking activity
The 40 m fast-paced walk test will measure short-distance walking activity (DOBSON et al., 2013). Subjects will be instructed to walk as quickly but as safely as possible, without running at the 10 m mark, turn around, and return, then repeat for 40m. The measurement of walking time will only consist of the 10 m walking period, excluding turns. The speed measurement will be expressed in m/s, dividing the 40 m by the time (seconds) needed to travel through the test area.
Measured: Baseline (week 0), and Post-intervention (week 12).
Stair negotiation activity
The Stair Climb Test will measure the subject's ability to climb stairs (DOBSON et al., 2013). Subjects will be instructed to ascend and descend stairs as quickly as possible using their usual shoes. The measurement will be expressed in seconds, corresponding to the total time taken for both ascending and descending the stairs.
Measured: Baseline (week 0), and Post-intervention (week 12).
Quadriceps femoris muscle thickness
The quadriceps muscle thickness will initially be measured according to quadriceps femoris images generated by muscle ultrasound. Subsequently, this measurement will be reproduced in Image-J software (National Institutes of Health, USA, version 1.53) considering the distance between the muscle fascia or at the fascia and bone structure interface (TANIGUCHI et al., 2015). The muscle thickness will be expressed in centimeters and presented as the sum of the measurements of each quadriceps femoris muscle, with individual muscle values also shown separately
Measured: Baseline (week 0), and Post-intervention (week 12).
Quadriceps femoris muscle quality
Quadriceps muscle quality will be expressed as quadriceps femoris muscle echo intensity generated by muscle ultrasound and measured using a specific function (greyscale) in Image J software. The echo intensity value of the region of interest will be expressed in arbitrary units, ranging between 0 (black) and 255 (white) (PARIS e MOURTZAKIS, 2021). The highest value represents decreased muscle quality and deposition of non-contractile tissue within the muscle. The echo intensity data will be corrected according to subcutaneous fat thickness. Data will be presented as the mean of the echogenicity of the quadriceps femoris, with individual muscle values also shown separately.
Measured: Baseline (week 0), and Post-intervention (week 12).
Pennation angle
Measurement of the pennation angle will be performed using only images of the vastus lateralis due to the alignment of the fascicles (BLAZEVICH et al., 2007). The pennation angle is formed between the muscle fascicle line and the deep aponeurosis. It will be expressed in degrees. The mean of three measurements for pennation angle will be presented.
Measured: Baseline (week 0), and Post-intervention (week 12).
Fascicle length
Measurement of the fascicle length will be performed using only images of the vastus lateralis due to the alignment of the fascicles (BLAZEVICH et al., 2007). Fascicle length is characterized by the distance of the fascicle between the superficial and deep aponeurosis. It will be estimated (in cm) from muscle thickness and fascicle pennation angle using a padronized equation. The mean of three measurements for fascicle angle will be presented.
Measured: Baseline (week 0), and Post-intervention (week 12).
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted26 Oct 2023
- Study start4 Dec 2023
- Primary completion15 Jan 2025
- Study completion8 Mar 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (12)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Knee OsteoarthritisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This study is a non-inferiority randomized clinical trial with two parallel groups in a single center with blinding of outcome assessors. Patients, males, and females with symptomatic and radiographic knee OA will be allocated to supervised in-person or remote exercise groups based on a stratified randomization method, considering the baseline outcome age (in the categories of participants aged 45 to 54 years old or 55 to 80 years old). A single independent researcher assistant will carry out randomization with a 1:1 ratio.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Federal University of Pelotas
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Cristine Lima Alberton, Federal University of Pelotas
- Investigators
- Cristine Lima Alberton, PhD, Principal investigator, Federal University of Pelotas
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06101797
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 74411723.0.0000.5313
- Acronym
- RISE-KOA
- Status last verified
- Feb 2025
- First submitted
- 16 Oct 2023
- Last updated
- 5 Sep 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Ornetti P, Dougados M, Paternotte S, Logeart I, Gossec L. Validation of a numerical rating scale to assess functional impairment in hip and knee osteoarthritis: comparison with the WOMAC function scale. Ann Rheum Dis. 2011 May;70(5):740-6. doi: 10.1136/ard.2010.135483. Epub 2010 Dec 13.
PubMed 21149497Collins NJ, Misra D, Felson DT, Crossley KM, Roos EM. Measures of knee function: International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Evaluation Form, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Physical Function Short Form (KOOS-PS), Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADL), Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Activity Rating Scale (ARS), and Tegner Activity Score (TAS). Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2011 Nov;63 Suppl 11(0 11):S208-28. doi: 10.1002/acr.20632. No abstract available.
PubMed 22588746Almeida GPL, da Costa RMO, Albano TR, Tavares MLA, Marques AP. Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, validation and responsiveness in the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS-BR). Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2022 Oct;30(10):3343-3349. doi: 10.1007/s00167-022-06911-w. Epub 2022 Feb 26.
PubMed 35218377Sehn F, Chachamovich E, Vidor LP, Dall-Agnol L, de Souza IC, Torres IL, Fregni F, Caumo W. Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the pain catastrophizing scale. Pain Med. 2012 Nov;13(11):1425-35. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2012.01492.x. Epub 2012 Oct 4.
PubMed 23036076Vignola RC, Tucci AM. Adaptation and validation of the depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS) to Brazilian Portuguese. J Affect Disord. 2014 Feb;155:104-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2013.10.031. Epub 2013 Oct 28.
PubMed 24238871Bertolazi AN, Fagondes SC, Hoff LS, Dartora EG, Miozzo IC, de Barba ME, Barreto SS. Validation of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Sleep Med. 2011 Jan;12(1):70-5. doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2010.04.020. Epub 2010 Dec 9.
PubMed 21145786Dobson F, Hinman RS, Roos EM, Abbott JH, Stratford P, Davis AM, Buchbinder R, Snyder-Mackler L, Henrotin Y, Thumboo J, Hansen P, Bennell KL. OARSI recommended performance-based tests to assess physical function in people diagnosed with hip or knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2013 Aug;21(8):1042-52. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2013.05.002. Epub 2013 May 13.
PubMed 23680877Jones CJ, Rikli RE, Beam WC. A 30-s chair-stand test as a measure of lower body strength in community-residing older adults. Res Q Exerc Sport. 1999 Jun;70(2):113-9. doi: 10.1080/02701367.1999.10608028.
PubMed 10380242Taniguchi M, Fukumoto Y, Kobayashi M, Kawasaki T, Maegawa S, Ibuki S, Ichihashi N. Quantity and Quality of the Lower Extremity Muscles in Women with Knee Osteoarthritis. Ultrasound Med Biol. 2015 Oct;41(10):2567-74. doi: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2015.05.014. Epub 2015 Jun 20.
PubMed 26099784Paris MT, Mourtzakis M. Muscle Composition Analysis of Ultrasound Images: A Narrative Review of Texture Analysis. Ultrasound Med Biol. 2021 Apr;47(4):880-895. doi: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2020.12.012. Epub 2021 Jan 13.
PubMed 33451817Blazevich AJ, Cannavan D, Coleman DR, Horne S. Influence of concentric and eccentric resistance training on architectural adaptation in human quadriceps muscles. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2007 Nov;103(5):1565-75. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00578.2007. Epub 2007 Aug 23.
PubMed 17717119Carvalho MTX, Alberton CL. Remote and In-person Supervised Exercise in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis (RISE-KOA): study protocol for a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2025 May 20;26(1):165. doi: 10.1186/s13063-025-08884-w.
PubMed 40394687
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 5 Sep 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Remote and In-person Supervised Exercise in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis (RISE-KOA): a Single Blinded, Randomized, Non-inferiority Trial.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06101797
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- RISE-KOA / 74411723.0.0000.5313
- Conditions
- Knee Osteoarthritis
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Federal University of PelotasUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 4 Dec 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 8 Mar 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 26 Oct 2023 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Exercise supervision via telehealth resources is an alternative to the in-person modality with similar therapeutic effectiveness across different clinical profiles. Especially in the context of knee osteoarthritis (OA), exercise is recommended by international guidelines. However, it is necessary to elucidate the comparability of remote and in-person supervised exercise effectiveness for these patients. Therefore, the study's objective is to investigate the responses of a remote compared to the in-person supervised exercise program on patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs), muscular architecture, and the functional performance of patients with knee OA. Forty-eight patients with symptomatic and radiographic knee OA will be randomly assigned to remote or in-person exercise programs. The intervention will last 12 weeks, encompassing muscle-strengthening exercises for the lower extremities, with a frequency of twice a week for the initial two weeks and three sessions per week from the third week onwards. Supervision will be conducted remotely via video calls in one group, while the other will receive in-person supervision at a physiotherapy clinic. Program sessions will comprise six exercises. In the first session treatment block, exercises will be guided for the muscle groups of the knee extensors, hip adductors, and plantar flexors, and in the second block, for knee extensors, hip abductors, and knee flexors. After the 12-week supervised treatment period, participants will be encouraged to continue the same exercise program at home without a physiotherapist in the following six weeks. PROMs related to the joint condition will be measured, such as pain, symptoms, daily activities, sports and leisure activities, and quality of life. The psychological domain will also be evaluated, including pain catastrophizing, symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, and sleep quality. Additionally, measurements of the muscular architecture of the quadriceps femoris, including muscle thickness, pennation angle, fascicle length, and echo intensity, will be taken. Functional performance will be assessed through tests that include the skills of standing and sitting, walking and going up, and down stairs. PROMs will be measured at weeks 0, 6, 12, and 18. Muscular architecture and functional parameters will be measured at weeks 0 and 12. Data analysis will be conducted using Linear Mixed Models, and analysis will be presented by intention to treat and per protocol. The significance level adopted for this study will be α = 0.05.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This study is a non-inferiority randomized clinical trial with two parallel groups in a single center with blinding of outcome assessors. Patients, males, and females with symptomatic and radiographic knee OA will be allocated to supervised in-person or remote exercise groups based on a stratified randomization method, considering the baseline outcome age (in the categories of participants aged 45 to 54 years old or 55 to 80 years old). A single independent researcher assistant will carry out randomization with a 1:1 ratio.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Remote supervised exercise group | Experimental | Other: Remote supervised exercise groupThe intervention will last 12 weeks and consist of muscle-strengthening exercises for the lower extremities supervised remotely by video call. |
| In-person supervised exercise group | Experimental | Other: In-person supervised exercise groupThe intervention will last 12 weeks and consist of muscle-strengthening exercises for the lower extremities supervised in person at a physiotherapy clinic. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 45 to 80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Patients with a radiographic diagnosis of unilateral or bilateral knee OA and classified as grades II or III according to the Kellgren and Lawrence criteria (KELLGREN e LAWRENCE, 1957).
- Symptomatic patients according to following American College of Rheumatology criteria - average pain score ≥3 in the last week on the numerical rating scale (0-10), morning stiffness <30 minutes and joint crepitus (ALTMAN et al., 1986).
- Independent walking and internet access.
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Patients with systemic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Neurological diseases with motor disability.
- Unstable heart diseases.
- History of total knee arthroplasty or lower extremity surgery.
- Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m².
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Remote supervised exercise groupThe exercise protocol for this group consists of individualized muscle-strengthening exercises for the lower extremities supervised by video call. The intervention will occur 2-3 times per week, each lasting approximately 40 minutes. The exercise protocol will consist of six muscle-strengthening exercises for the lower extremities, which will be guided, alternating muscle groups. In the first two weeks of treatment, exercise intensity will be monitored for participants to complete two sets of 8-12 repetitions in dynamic exercises. From the third week onward, participants will progress to one additional set. Adjustments to weight-bearing, the external load imposed by the elastic band, and exercise position throughout the protocol will be performed to maintain the participant's level of effort. After supervised exercise treatment, patients will be encouraged to maintain an exercise routine with the same exercise protocol, however, without physiotherapy supervision. | Other | Remote supervised exercise group |
| In-person supervised exercise groupThe exercise protocol for this group consists of individualized muscle-strengthening exercises for the lower extremities supervised at a physiotherapy clinic. The intervention will occur 2-3 times per week, each lasting approximately 40 minutes. The exercise protocol will consist of six muscle-strengthening exercises for the lower extremities, which will be guided, alternating muscle groups. In the first two weeks of treatment, exercise intensity will be monitored for participants to complete two sets of 8-12 repetitions in dynamic exercises. From the third week onward, participants will progress to one additional set. Adjustments to weight-bearing, the external load imposed by the elastic band, and exercise position throughout the protocol will be performed to maintain the participant's level of effort. After supervised exercise treatment, patients will be encouraged to maintain an exercise routine with the same exercise protocol, however, without physiotherapy supervision. | Other | In-person supervised exercise group |
Primary outcome
Pain intensity
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), During intervention (week 6), Post-intervention (week 12).
Average pain intensity in the last week will be assessed using an 11-point Pain Intensity Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), in which 0 corresponds to "no pain," and 10 represents "worst possible pain." NRS is a patient-reported outcome measure for assessment and clinical decision-making in patients with knee OA with good psychometric properties (ORNETTI et al., 2011).
Physical function
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), During intervention (week 6), Post-intervention (week 12).
Physical function will be measured by Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) using an Activities of Daily Living subscale. The KOOS is a patient-reported outcome measure composed of 42 items divided into five subscales: Pain, other Symptoms, Activities of daily living, Sport and Recreation Function, and Knee-related Quality of Life. Its score ranges from 0 (extreme problem) to 100 (no problems) separately in each subscale (COLLINS et al., 2011). The Brazilian version of the KOOS questionnaire was recently validated, consisting of an instrument with validity, reliability, and responsiveness in patients with knee OA (ALMEIDA et al., 2022).
17 secondary outcomes
Pain intensity
Time frame: Follow up period (week 18).
Physical function
Time frame: Follow up period (week 18).
Pain score
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), During intervention (week 6), Post-intervention (week 12), Follow up period (week 18).
Other Symptoms
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), During intervention (week 6), Post-intervention (week 12), Follow up period (week 18).
Sport and Recreation Function
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), During intervention (week 6), Post-intervention (week 12), Follow up period (week 18).
Knee-related Quality of Life
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), During intervention (week 6), Post-intervention (week 12), Follow up period (week 18).
Pain catastrophizing
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), During intervention (week 6), Post-intervention (week 12), Follow up period (week 18).
Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), During intervention (week 6), Post-intervention (week 12), Follow up period (week 18).
Sleep quality
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), During intervention (week 6), Post-intervention (week 12), Follow up period (week 18).
Sit-to-stand activity
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), and Post-intervention (week 12).
Ambulatory transition activity
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), and Post-intervention (week 12).
Short distance walking activity
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), and Post-intervention (week 12).
Stair negotiation activity
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), and Post-intervention (week 12).
Quadriceps femoris muscle thickness
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), and Post-intervention (week 12).
Quadriceps femoris muscle quality
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), and Post-intervention (week 12).
Pennation angle
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), and Post-intervention (week 12).
Fascicle length
Time frame: Baseline (week 0), and Post-intervention (week 12).
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 5 Sep 2025.
- Background: PubMed 21149497Ornetti P, Dougados M, Paternotte S, Logeart I, Gossec L. Validation of a numerical rating scale to assess functional impairment in hip and knee osteoarthritis: comparison with the WOMAC function scale. Ann Rheum Dis. 2011 May;70(5):740-6. doi: 10.1136/ard.2010.135483. Epub 2010 Dec 13.
- Background: PubMed 22588746Collins NJ, Misra D, Felson DT, Crossley KM, Roos EM. Measures of knee function: International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Evaluation Form, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Physical Function Short Form (KOOS-PS), Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADL), Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Activity Rating Scale (ARS), and Tegner Activity Score (TAS). Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2011 Nov;63 Suppl 11(0 11):S208-28. doi: 10.1002/acr.20632. No abstract available.
- Background: PubMed 35218377Almeida GPL, da Costa RMO, Albano TR, Tavares MLA, Marques AP. Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, validation and responsiveness in the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS-BR). Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2022 Oct;30(10):3343-3349. doi: 10.1007/s00167-022-06911-w. Epub 2022 Feb 26.
- Background: PubMed 23036076Sehn F, Chachamovich E, Vidor LP, Dall-Agnol L, de Souza IC, Torres IL, Fregni F, Caumo W. Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the pain catastrophizing scale. Pain Med. 2012 Nov;13(11):1425-35. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2012.01492.x. Epub 2012 Oct 4.
- Background: PubMed 24238871Vignola RC, Tucci AM. Adaptation and validation of the depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS) to Brazilian Portuguese. J Affect Disord. 2014 Feb;155:104-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2013.10.031. Epub 2013 Oct 28.
- Background: PubMed 21145786Bertolazi AN, Fagondes SC, Hoff LS, Dartora EG, Miozzo IC, de Barba ME, Barreto SS. Validation of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Sleep Med. 2011 Jan;12(1):70-5. doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2010.04.020. Epub 2010 Dec 9.
- Background: PubMed 23680877Dobson F, Hinman RS, Roos EM, Abbott JH, Stratford P, Davis AM, Buchbinder R, Snyder-Mackler L, Henrotin Y, Thumboo J, Hansen P, Bennell KL. OARSI recommended performance-based tests to assess physical function in people diagnosed with hip or knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2013 Aug;21(8):1042-52. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2013.05.002. Epub 2013 May 13.
- Background: PubMed 10380242Jones CJ, Rikli RE, Beam WC. A 30-s chair-stand test as a measure of lower body strength in community-residing older adults. Res Q Exerc Sport. 1999 Jun;70(2):113-9. doi: 10.1080/02701367.1999.10608028.
- Background: PubMed 26099784Taniguchi M, Fukumoto Y, Kobayashi M, Kawasaki T, Maegawa S, Ibuki S, Ichihashi N. Quantity and Quality of the Lower Extremity Muscles in Women with Knee Osteoarthritis. Ultrasound Med Biol. 2015 Oct;41(10):2567-74. doi: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2015.05.014. Epub 2015 Jun 20.
- Background: PubMed 33451817Paris MT, Mourtzakis M. Muscle Composition Analysis of Ultrasound Images: A Narrative Review of Texture Analysis. Ultrasound Med Biol. 2021 Apr;47(4):880-895. doi: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2020.12.012. Epub 2021 Jan 13.
- Background: PubMed 17717119Blazevich AJ, Cannavan D, Coleman DR, Horne S. Influence of concentric and eccentric resistance training on architectural adaptation in human quadriceps muscles. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2007 Nov;103(5):1565-75. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00578.2007. Epub 2007 Aug 23.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 40394687Carvalho MTX, Alberton CL. Remote and In-person Supervised Exercise in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis (RISE-KOA): study protocol for a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2025 May 20;26(1):165. doi: 10.1186/s13063-025-08884-w.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Knee Osteoarthritis
Not yet recruiting
Opioid Reduction and Enhanced Recovery in Orthopaedic Surgery (OREOS)-Knee
Knee Arthroplasty, Total, Partial Knee Arthroplasty
Active, not recruiting
SakuraBead Used as Resorbable Embolic for Genicular Artery Embolization
Osteo Arthritis Knee, Joint Diseases
RecruitingPhase 2
Genicular Artery Embolization for Reducing Pain in Medically Refractory Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee Osteoarthritis, Knee Osteoarthritis (Knee OA)
Not yet recruiting
Comparison of High-Intensity and Conventional Physical Therapy in Musculoskeletal Disorders
Low Back Pain, Radicular Syndrome
Recruiting
The Effect of Different Exercise Training Programs on Muscle Oxygenation in Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis of Knee
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Cristine Lima Alberton, PhD principal investigator
Federal University of Pelotas
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Remote supervised exercise group and In-person supervised exercise group in people with Knee Osteoarthritis, run by Federal University of Pelotas at 1 site in Brazil.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 5 Sep 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Brazil. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Pain intensity (time frame: Baseline (week 0), During intervention (week 6), Post-intervention (week 12).). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06101797, which also lists 12 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 5 Sep 2025.