CompletedNot Applicable

Exercise vs. Topical Diclofenac vs. PRP

Turkey (Türkiye)82 participantsStarted 2024-03-20

Plain-language summary

Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, is a chronic and degenerative joint disease. It has been reported to affect more than 300 million adults and elderly individuals worldwide. The joint most commonly affected by osteoarthritis is the knee joint and this condition is called gonarthrosis. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and ultimately slow the progression of the disease with various treatment options throughout the course of the disease.Current clinical studies prepared by the working groups of the International Osteoarthritis Research Society (OARSI) and the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) According to the guidelines, treatment typically includes physiotherapy interventions with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics, including intra-articular injections of corticosteroids. Exercise-oriented physiotherapy is one of the main approaches for the conservative treatment of gonarthrosis. The curative clinical effect of exercise therapy on pain and functional disability in gonarthrosis is important. The use of PRP in the treatment of gonarthrosis is based on the ability of platelets to release biologically active proteins and promote tissue healing. Since the cartilage tissue mainly affected in gonarthrosis has low healing potential, this feature of platelets becomes more important for the target tissue. Existing studies show that PRP is superior to hyaluronic acid in intermediate and initial gonarthrosis; on the other hand, less satisfactory results are reported in severe gonarthrosis, similar to viscosupplementation. Topically or orally administered NSAIDs form the backbone of pharmacological treatment in gonarthrosis. It is seen that both exercise, PRP and topical NSAID agents are among the recommendations in the treatment of gonarthrosis. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the superiority and therapeutic efficacy of these three treatment approaches. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of "exercise", "PRP" and "NSAID-specific topical agents" in the treatment of patients with gonarthrosis; pain, function, quality of life, and patient satisfaction.

Who can participate

Age range

40 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with gonarthrosis according to the criteria of the American Society of Rheumatology (ACR) * Stage 2 or 3 according to Kellgren Lawrence radiological staging criteria, * Those between the ages of 40 and 65, * Body mass index below 30 kg/m2, * Pain intensity defined by the patient in the last 3 months is at least 3 out of 10 according to NPRS, * Patients who do not have any barriers to being included in the exercise program Exclusion Criteria: * Being in stage 4 according to Kellgren Lawrence radiological staging criteria, * Hemoglobin level \<11.5 g/dL * Platelet level \<100,000/μL * Thrombocytopenia, coagulopathy, crystal arthropathy, hemophilia or hematological malignancy, * Presence of active infection or tumor, * Chronic antiaggregant use or taking immunosuppressive therapy, * Pregnancy or lactation, * Viscosupplementation or steroid injection in the related knee in the last 3 months, or using systemic steroids, * To have received a physiotherapy program for the relevant knee in the last 3 months, * Having a valgus or varus deformity greater than 15°, * Presence of neurological diseases and/or deformity leading to lower extremity muscle weakness * Having serious systemic and cardiovascular diseases that interfere with exercise

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change of Pain via Numeric Pain Rating Scale

Timeframe: change from baseline pain at 6 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05877027

SponsorIstanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-03-18

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Gonarthrosis trials