Knee osteoarthritis (KOA)
Conditions
Interventions
Participants will receive high energy laser therapy targeting the painful knee region. The intervention will be delivered using a high energy laser device with a maximum output power of up to 30 W, em
=15 mm will be used to address deep pain and inflammatory tissues. Each session will be conducted under standardized parameters for treatment duration and frequency, consistent with the study protocol
Sponsors
Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Adults aged 50 to 75 years. Clinical diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis according to established criteria (e.g., American College of Rheumatology criteria). Presence of chronic knee pain for at least 3 months, with a pain intensity >= 40 mm on a 0 to 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at baseline. Radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis classified as Kellgren Lawrence grade II to III. Ability to walk independently without assistive devices. No participation in other physical therapy, laser therapy, or injection treatments for knee pain within the previous 3 months. Willingness to comply with the intervention protocol and assessment schedule. Provision of written informed consent prior to participation.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: Prior knee surgery, knee replacement, or major lower limb surgery within the past 12 months. Inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, gout) or other systemic musculoskeletal or neurological disorders affecting lower limb function. Severe knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren Lawrence grade IV). Intra-articular injection, systemic corticosteroid use, or physical therapy for knee pain within the previous 3 months. Contraindications to laser therapy, including malignancy, photosensitivity disorders, pregnancy, or implanted electronic medical devices. Skin infection, open wound, or dermatological conditions at the treatment site. Inability to comply with the intervention protocol or outcome assessments.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| The primary outcome of this study is the change in overall clinical effectiveness, assessed by knee pain intensity using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Pain levels will be measured at baseline and after completion of the intervention period to compare the therapeutic effects of high-energy laser therapy and low-energy laser therapy in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| The secondary outcomes include changes in neuromuscular function and postural performance. Specifically, lower-limb muscle stiffness will be assessed using ultrasound-based elastography, muscle co-activation patterns will be evaluated using surface electromyography during functional tasks, and balance control will be assessed using standardized balance tests. All secondary outcomes will be measured at baseline and after the intervention period to compare the additional effects of high-energy and low-energy laser therapy. | — |
Countries
Asia(except Japan)
Contacts
Public ContactPing Liu
Qufu Normal University College of Physical Education and Sport Science
Outcome results
None listed