Effects of Diagonal Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Patterns on Pain and Functional Out… (NCT07396233) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Effects of Diagonal Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Patterns on Pain and Functional Outcomes in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis
Pakistan150 participantsStarted 2026-02-07
Plain-language summary
A randomized controlled trial will be conducted at the Department of Physiotherapy, Dr. Ziauddin Hospital and Al-Rayaz Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 150 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, aged between 40-60 years, will be recruited through a non-probability purposive sampling technique. Written informed consent will be obtained from all eligible participants prior to enrollment. The participants will be randomly allocated by the help of computer generated randomization sheet, into two groups i.e. experimental and the control group, with 75 participants in each group. Group A (experimental group) will receive diagonal proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) pattern exercises, while Group B (control group) will receive conventional strength training exercises. Heat therapy will be administered to both groups. All participants will be assessed using a standardized assessment form. Outcome measures will include pain intensity, knee range of motion, functional disability, hamstring flexibility, dynamic balance, and fatigue level. A single blinded assessor will assess all participants at baseline and at post intervention. Treatment sessions will be given thrice a week on alternate days for 6 weeks.
Who can participate
Age range
40 Years – 60 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:
* Both male and females with an age range between 40-60 years.
* Patients diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral Knee OA.
* Grade-II or grade-III on kellgren and Lawrence classification.
* Patients having pain intensity more than 3.4 cm on VAS as minimum cut off value.
* Duration of knee OA more than 3 months (chronic).
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients with any neurological disorder.
* History of lower limb arthroplasty or any other knee surgery.
* Septic knee arthritis.
* Inflammatory rheumatic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
* Cancer or any other malignancy such as bone tumor.
* Knee deformities such as contracture, genu valgum and genu varum.
* History of ligamentous injury and meniscal tear.
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
1
Change in pain intensity will be assessed with Visual Analogue Scale
Timeframe: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention
2
Change in range of motion will be assessed with Universal Goniometer
Timeframe: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention.