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OsteoarthritisNCT06963892

Examining the Effect of Neuromuscular Exercises on Movement Control in Hip & Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomised Proof of Concept and Feasibility Study

A study testing Neuromuscular Exercise Programme (GLA:D®-based and Usual Physiotherapy Care (NHS Standard) in people with Osteoarthritis and Hip, run by University of Southampton at 1 site in United Kingdom.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This completed study evaluated the effects of a six-week neuromuscular exercise programme on movement control in individuals with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis (OA). The trial also assessed the feasibility of conducting a future definitive randomised controlled trial. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 30 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Osteoarthritis, Hip, Knee OA
What is being tested?
Neuromuscular Exercise Programme (GLA:D®-based and Usual Physiotherapy Care (NHS Standard)
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
90 participants
Where
1 siteUnited Kingdom
Study dates
18 Jul 2023to 7 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 30 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Adults aged 30 years or older.
  • Clinically diagnosed symptomatic hip and/or knee osteoarthritis (unilateral or bilateral).
  • Meeting the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) clinical criteria for osteoarthritis.
  • Able to safely participate in neuromuscular exercises and movement screening tests.

Who cannot join

  • Acute septic arthritis.
  • Inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis).
  • Avascular necrosis of the hip or knee.
  • Recent steroid injections (within the past 3 months).
  • Knee or hip surgery within the previous 12 months.
  • Significant cardiorespiratory or systemic disorders limiting exercise participation.
Show all 12Show fewer
  • Neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis).
  • Body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 kg/m².
  • Severe low back pain restricting activity.
  • Cognitive impairment affecting ability to follow study instructions.
  • Skin conditions affecting lower limbs, preventing safe participation in exercises.
  • Inability to communicate effectively in English or understand the consent information.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United Kingdom1 site
  • Ashford & St Peters NHS Hospital

    Chertsey, Surrey, TW15 3AA

Other trials in United Kingdom

About this study

This completed study evaluated the effects of a six-week neuromuscular exercise programme on movement control in individuals with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis (OA). The trial also assessed the feasibility of conducting a future definitive randomised controlled trial.

A total of 90 participants with symptomatic hip or knee OA were recruited from NHS outpatient physiotherapy clinics and cluster-randomised to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received a structured neuromuscular exercise programme based on the GLA:D® approach, delivered once weekly for six weeks. The control group received usual care, including general physiotherapy advice and standard exercises.

Read more

The primary outcome was change in movement control, assessed using the Short Hip and Lower Limb Movement Screen (Short-HLLMS) at baseline and six weeks. Secondary outcomes included joint-specific function measured by KOOS-12 and HOOS-12 questionnaires, and pain intensity assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Feasibility measures included recruitment rate, participant adherence, and study retention.

The study was completed successfully and demonstrated that neuromuscular exercise may improve short-term movement control and functional outcomes in individuals with OA. Feasibility outcomes supported the acceptability of the intervention and the procedures for conducting a future large-scale trial.

Read the detailed description

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint condition that significantly impacts mobility, function, and quality of life. Although exercise is strongly recommended in clinical guidelines for managing OA, the specific role of neuromuscular training-exercises targeting sensorimotor control, functional movement patterns, and joint stability-has not been thoroughly investigated in terms of improving movement control in this population. Previous research indicates that compromised neuromuscular control may contribute to altered biomechanics, increased joint loading, pain, and functional limitations among people with OA. However, structured neuromuscular interventions aiming explicitly at enhancing movement control remain understudied in clinical practice.

This study addressed this gap by conducting a cluster-randomised, proof-of-concept and feasibility trial designed to evaluate the effects of a structured neuromuscular exercise intervention based on principles from the Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark (GLA:D®) programme. This exercise programme has previously shown benefits in reducing OA symptoms and improving function, but its effect on movement control using structured assessments has yet to be explored.

Participants with clinically diagnosed symptomatic hip or knee OA were recruited from NHS physiotherapy outpatient clinics in the United Kingdom. Following recruitment, study sites were cluster-randomised to either the intervention or control group to minimise cross-group contamination. Participants at sites allocated to the intervention group underwent a supervised, structured neuromuscular exercise programme delivered by trained physiotherapists. This programme involved six supervised sessions, conducted once per week, with each session lasting approximately 60 minutes. Each session comprised a brief educational component followed by exercises focusing on dynamic joint stability, functional movement retraining, proprioception, balance, and muscle strengthening.

The neuromuscular exercises were progressively adjusted to individual abilities and pain tolerance, with careful monitoring of participants to ensure exercises were performed safely and correctly. Training intensity and exercise difficulty gradually increased throughout the intervention period, adhering closely to the established protocol from the GLA:D® programme.

Participants at control sites received standard physiotherapy care typically provided to individuals with hip or knee OA within the NHS. This standard care included general joint mobility exercises, strength training, general physiotherapy advice, and education provided during routine outpatient appointments.

To assess the impact of the neuromuscular exercise programme, the study used a novel clinical screening tool known as the Short Hip and Lower Limb Movement Screen (Short-HLLMS). This observational tool evaluates key movement patterns such as squatting and single-leg activities, providing a structured approach to identify movement impairments related to joint stability, coordination, and alignment.

Additionally, feasibility outcomes such as participant recruitment rates, retention, adherence to the intervention, and overall acceptability of the neuromuscular exercises were systematically evaluated to inform the potential for scaling up the intervention in future larger-scale trials or clinical practice implementation. Participant experiences and perceptions of the intervention were collected to understand barriers and facilitators to participation, adherence, and potential clinical translation.

The study aimed primarily to establish proof-of-concept regarding neuromuscular training's potential effectiveness in improving movement control, a crucial outcome associated with joint health and functional independence. This study also aimed to identify practical considerations essential for conducting a definitive randomised controlled trial, such as realistic recruitment timelines, dropout rates, and adherence to structured exercise programmes.

The results of this feasibility study have implications for both clinical practice and future research, providing evidence on whether a neuromuscular exercise approach can meaningfully influence movement quality in patients with hip and knee OA and inform decision-making for subsequent research phases, including larger-scale effectiveness trials.

Being tested
Neuromuscular Exercise Programme (GLA:D®-based, Usual Physiotherapy Care (NHS Standard)
Keywords
Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis, Movement Control, Movement Screening Tools, Neuromuscular Exercise, Feasibility Study, Proof of Concept
Medical subject headings
Osteoarthritis, Osteoarthritis, Knee

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Neuromuscular Exercise Programme (GLA:D®-basedBehavioural

    Also called Neuromuscular training; sensorimotor exercise

    Participants underwent supervised neuromuscular exercise sessions based on the Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark (GLA:D®) programme. Exercises targeted dynamic joint stability, balance, proprioception, functional movements, and muscle strengthening. Sessions were held once weekly, lasting approximately 60 minutes each, over six consecutive weeks. The intervention was tailored progressively to each participant's capabilities, symptoms, and pain tolerance.

  • Usual Physiotherapy Care (NHS Standard)Behavioural

    Also called Routine physiotherapy, Standard OA physiotherapy

    Participants received standard NHS physiotherapy care for hip or knee osteoarthritis. This included routine joint mobility exercises, strengthening activities, general education, and advice. Sessions were delivered in outpatient clinics following standard practice without specific emphasis on neuromuscular control training. Frequency and duration-matched usual clinical care.

Study groups in NCT06963892
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Neuromuscular Exercise InterventionExperimentalParticipants attended six supervised group exercise sessions over six weeks. Each session (~60 min) included structured neuromuscular exercises focusing on joint stability, functional movement retraining, balance, proprioception, and muscle strengthening, following principles from the Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark (GLA:D®) programme. Exercises were progressed based on individual capability and pain tolerance.
Receives: Behavioral: Neuromuscular Exercise Programme (GLA:D®-based
Usual Physiotherapy CareActive comparatorParticipants received usual care provided by NHS physiotherapy outpatient services. This involved standard joint mobility exercises, strengthening activities, general advice, and education typically offered to patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis, without specific emphasis on structured neuromuscular control training.
Receives: Behavioral: Usual Physiotherapy Care (NHS Standard)

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in movement control measured by the Short Hip and Lower Limb Movement Screen (Short-HLLMS)

    The Short Hip and Lower Limb Movement Screen (Short-HLLMS) was used to objectively assess participants' movement control, alignment, and joint stability. The screen evaluated three functional tasks: small knee bend, standing hip flexion, and deep squat. Lower scores indicate better movement quality and control. Assessments were performed at baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately following the six-week intervention period (post-intervention). The primary outcome measure was the change in Short-HLLMS scores from baseline to six weeks.

    Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and at 6 weeks (post-intervention)

Secondary outcomes (4)
  1. Change in Knee-specific Function (KOOS-12)

    The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Short-form (KOOS-12) questionnaire measured patient-reported knee-specific function, pain, and quality of life. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better knee function and reduced symptoms.

    Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and at 6 weeks (post-intervention)

  2. Change in Hip-specific Function (HOOS-12)

    The Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Short-form (HOOS-12) questionnaire measured patient-reported hip-specific function, pain, and quality of life. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores representing better hip function and reduced symptoms.

    Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and at 6 weeks (post-intervention)

  3. Change in Pain Intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale)

    Pain intensity was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), which is a valid patient-reported measure of pain severity. Scores range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Lower scores indicate reduced pain severity.

    Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and at 6 weeks (post-intervention)

  4. Feasibility of the Intervention (Recruitment and Retention Rates)

    Feasibility outcomes included the percentage of eligible patients who consented to participate, adherence to the intervention (measured by attendance rates), and the dropout rate during the intervention period.

    Measured: Measured continuously during recruitment and across the 6-week intervention period

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted9 May 2025
  2. Study start18 Jul 2023
  3. Primary completion7 Mar 2025
  4. Study completion7 Mar 2025

Resources

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
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Participant
Enrolment
90 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06963892
Sponsor's protocol ID
71072.A1
Other IDs
306886
Status last verified
Aug 2023
First submitted
24 Aug 2023
Last updated
9 May 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: We need to discuss this first

Publications

  • Abramoff B, Caldera FE. Osteoarthritis: Pathology, diagnosis, and treatment options. Med Clin North Am. 2020;104(2):293-311. Ageberg E, Roos EM. Neuromuscular exercise as treatment of degenerative knee disease. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2015;43(1):14-22. Ageberg E, Link A, Roos EM. Feasibility of neuromuscular training in patients with severe hip or knee OA: the individualised goal-based NEMEX-TJR training programme. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2010;11(1):126. Ageberg E, Nilsdotter A, Kosek E, Roos EM. Effects of neuromuscular training (NEMEX-TJR) on function and quality of life in individuals with hip and knee osteoarthritis: A randomised controlled trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2010;18(8):971-6. Atkinson G, Nevill AM. Selected issues in the design and analysis of sport performance research. J Sports Sci. 2001;19(10):811-27. Booysen N, Wilson DA, Lewis CL, Warner MB, Gimpel M, Mottram S, et al. Assessing movement quality using the hip and lower limb movement screen: development, reliability and potential applications. J Musculoskelet Res. 2019;22(3-4):1950008. King LK, Birmingham TB, Callaghan JP, et al. Personalised neuromuscular interventions in osteoarthritis rehabilitation: A step toward precision medicine. J Orthop Res. 2023;41(5):789-804. Skou ST, Roos EM. Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark (GLA:D®): Evidence-based education and supervised neuromuscular exercise for patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2017;18(1):72. Zhang W, Moskowitz RW, Nuki G, Abramson S, Altman RD, Arden N, et al. OARSI recommendations for the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis, part I: critical appraisal of existing treatment guidelines and systematic review of current research evidence. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2007;15(9):981-1000. Gandek B, Roos EM, Franklin PD, Ware JE. A 12-item short form of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS-12): tests of reliability, validity and responsiveness. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2019;27(5):762-70. Gandek B, Roos EM, Franklin PD, Ware JE. A 12-item short form of the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS-12): tests of reliability, validity and responsiveness. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2019;27(5):754-61.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Neuromuscular Exercise Programme (GLA:D®-based and Usual Physiotherapy Care (NHS Standard) in people with Osteoarthritis and Hip, run by University of Southampton at 1 site in United Kingdom.

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 4 inclusion and 12 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 9 May 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 United Kingdom. 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?

Change in movement control measured by the Short Hip and Lower Limb Movement Screen (Short-HLLMS) (time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and at 6 weeks (post-intervention)). 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 NCT06963892, which also lists 1 linked publication.

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 9 May 2025.

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