None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study is designed to test whether a structured physiotherapy program that combines core, hip, and knee muscle strengthening exercises with patient education can improve pain, mobility, and quality of life in people with knee osteoarthritis. We will compare three groups over a 6-week period: Group A: Core, hip, and knee strengthening exercises plus education. Group B: Standard physiotherapy care (exercises and education based on national guidelines). Group C: Education and home-based advice only. We expect that participants in Group A will show the greatest improvements in pain reduction, walking ability, and daily function compared to the other groups. The results may help identify the most effective physiotherapy approach for managing knee osteoarthritis and guiding future clinical practice.
Interventions
This is a non-randomised quasi-experimental study. Group allocation is determined based on physiotherapy service workflow feasibility and clinical scheduling at the outpatient Physiotherapy Unit, Hospital Kajang. Allocation is not random and is not influenced by participant preference or outcome measures.
Group A – PECH Program (Physiotherapy-led Education plus Core, Hip, and Knee Strengthening)
The PECH program is designed to address biomechanical and functional impairments associated with kn
This is a non-randomised quasi-experimental study. Group allocation is determined based on physiotherapy service workflow feasibility and clinical scheduling at the outpatient Physiotherapy Unit, Hospital Kajang. Allocation is not random and is not influenced by participant preference or outcome measures. Group A – PECH Program (Physiotherapy-led Education plus Core, Hip, and Knee Strengthening) The PECH program is designed to address biomechanical and functional impairments associated with knee osteoarthritis through a structured, multimodal physiotherapy intervention. The program includes progressive strengthening of core stabiliser muscles (including transversus abdominis and multifidus), hip musculature (gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, hip abductors and extensors), and knee extensors (quadriceps). Exercise components include abdominal drawing-in, bridging, bird-dog, clamshells, side-lying hip abduction, wall sits, straight leg raises, and terminal knee extensions. A standardised patient education module covering osteoarthritis self-management, joint protection, activity modification, and exercise adherence is provided. The intervention is delivered face-to-face in individual sessions at the Physiotherapy Unit, Hospital Kajang, by licensed physiotherapists with more than five years of experience in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Sessions are conducted twice a week for six weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 to 60 minutes, with approximately 30 minutes of each session is spent completing physical exercise and approximately 15 minutes of each session is spent on education. Exercise intensity is moderate and progresses according to individual tolerance and functional ability. Attendance, progression, and exercise performance are documented to monitor adherence and treatment fidelity.
Sponsors
Voon Xin Yi - Ministry of Health Malaysia
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
40 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Adults aged 40–65 years, clinically diagnosed knee OA and able to follow study procedures and provide informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
Patients that had recent knee surgery (<6 months), other major musculoskeletal or inflammatory joint disorders, neurological conditions (e.g., radiculopathy), severe cognitive impairment, and current intensive physiotherapy or education program participation.
Outcome results
None listed