Knee OsteoarthritisNCT07908589
Tempo-controlled Low-load Resistance Training in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis.
A study testing Conventional Physiotherapy Training in people with Knee Osteoarthritis, run by University of Management and Technology Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 40 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Knee Osteoarthritis
- What is being tested?
- Conventional Physiotherapy Training
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 32 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 27 Oct 2026to 31 Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 40 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 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.
Who cannot join
- 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.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site
UMT
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000
Fizza Masood Dr., MS-OMPT, +923344318731, fizza.masood@umt.edu.pk
Rabia Jawa CoD Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, MPhil PT, +923434570838, rabia.jawa@umt.edu.pk
About this study
Official title: Effects of Tempo-Controlled Low-load Resistance Training on Pain, Muscle Performance and Disability in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis.
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.
- Conditions
- Knee Osteoarthritis
- Being tested
- Tempo-controlled low-load resistance training, Conventional Physiotherapy Training
- Keywords
- Tempo-controlled resistance training, low- load resistance training, knee osteoarthritis
- Medical subject headings
- Osteoarthritis, Knee
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Tempo-controlled low-load resistance trainingOther
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.
Conventional Physiotherapy TrainingOther
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Tempo-controlled low load resistance training | Experimental | 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. Receives: Other: Tempo-controlled low-load resistance training |
| Conventional Physiotherapy Training | Active comparator | 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. Receives: Other: Conventional Physiotherapy Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Nov 2026
- Study start27 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- 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
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Management and Technology Lahore
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Fizza Masood, University of Management and Technology Lahore
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07908589
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RE-164-2026
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 26 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 2 Nov 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: The results data collected , de-identified individual participant data will be shared.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Nov 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Tempo-Controlled Low-load Resistance Training on Pain, Muscle Performance and Disability in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07908589
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- RE-164-2026
- Conditions
- Knee Osteoarthritis
- Keywords
- Tempo-controlled resistance training, low- load resistance training, knee osteoarthritis
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of Management and Technology LahoreUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 27 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 2 Nov 2026 (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.
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Tempo-controlled low load resistance training | Experimental | Other: Tempo-controlled low-load resistance trainingParticipants 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. |
| Conventional Physiotherapy Training | Active comparator | Other: Conventional Physiotherapy TrainingParticipants 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. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 40 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- 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.
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tempo-controlled low-load resistance trainingThe 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. | Other | Tempo-controlled low load resistance training |
| Conventional Physiotherapy TrainingParticipants 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. | Other | Conventional Physiotherapy Training |
Primary outcome
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
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.
WOMAC Function Subscale
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
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.
Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
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.
Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
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.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 2 Nov 2026.
- Effect of Progressive Resistance Strength Training on Body Mass Index, Quality of Life and Functional Capacity in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled TrialLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. The results data collected , de-identified individual participant data will be shared.
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Conventional Physiotherapy Training in people with Knee Osteoarthritis, run by University of Management and Technology Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.
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 1 inclusion and 1 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Nov 2026. 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 Pakistan. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Each site lists its own contact: choose the nearest one under Trial locations. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) (time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 2 Nov 2026.