Home-Based Quadriceps Isometric Exercise for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain
Mexico50 participantsStarted 2025-09-01
Plain-language summary
Knee osteoarthritis is a common cause of pain and reduced mobility in older adults. Many people have limited access to supervised rehabilitation programs, highlighting the need for simple and safe home-based treatment options.
This study evaluates whether a brief home-based quadriceps isometric exercise program can reduce knee pain in community-dwelling older adults. Participants perform short daily muscle contractions of the thigh muscles for 28 days. In addition, participants are assigned to receive one of four topical formulations (placebo, cannabidiol, arnica, or a combination of cannabidiol and arnica) to explore whether these products modify the exercise response.
The primary outcome is change in knee pain intensity measured using a visual analog scale. Secondary outcomes include adherence and safety. This pilot study aims to assess the feasibility, safety, and preliminary effectiveness of this low-cost and easily accessible strategy to inform future larger clinical trials.
Who can participate
Age range
65 Years – 85 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:
* Adults aged 65 years or older
Clinical diagnosis of chronic knee osteoarthritis according to American College of Rheumatology criteria
Knee pain for ≥3 months
Baseline knee pain intensity ≥4 on a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Ability to walk independently with or without assistive devices
Ability to understand study procedures and provide written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Recent knee surgery or intra-articular injection within the last 3 months
Planned knee surgery during the study period
Severe neurological or cardiovascular conditions limiting exercise participation
Skin lesions or hypersensitivity to topical formulations
Current use of topical analgesics on the target knee
Cognitive impairment preventing adherence to the protocol
Participation in another clinical trial within the last 30 days
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 from baseline in knee pain intensity measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Timeframe: Baseline to Day 28
Trial details
NCT IDNCT07445568
SponsorUniversidad del Valle de México, Campus Cuernavaca