RecruitingNot Applicable

Knee Osteoarthritis Rehab: High-Intensity Laser vs Classical Modalities

Iraq100 participantsStarted 2026-04-20

Plain-language summary

This study aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) with conventional physical therapy treatments in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition, especially in older adults, causing pain, stiffness, reduced movement, and difficulty performing daily activities. Current treatments focus on reducing pain and improving joint function. In this study, 100 patients with knee osteoarthritis will be divided into two groups. One group will receive HILT combined with therapeutic exercises, while the other group will receive conventional physical therapy modalities along with the same exercises. The treatment outcomes will be evaluated over time. The main outcomes include pain reduction (measured by pain scales such as WOMAC and VAS), improvement in joint function, and structural changes in the knee assessed by MRI. In addition, laboratory tests will be used to measure inflammation, cartilage health markers, and oxidative stress before and after treatment. The goal is to determine whether HILT provides better pain relief, improves joint function, and is safe compared to standard therapy. The results may help improve rehabilitation strategies for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Who can participate

Age range

30 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: * Diagnosis of Knee Osteoarthritis: Patients must have a clinical and radiographic diagnosis of knee OA according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, including evidence of joint space narrowing, osteophyte formation, and other degenerative changes observed on X-rays or MRI. Age: Adults aged between 40 and 75 years. Willingness to Participate: Participants must provide informed consent and be willing to adhere to the study protocol, including attending all treatment sessions and follow-up assessments. Kellgren-Lawrence Grade: Patients with knee OA grades 1-3 (mild to moderate OA). Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications to Laser Therapy: Active malignancy History of epilepsy Photosensitivity disorders Active infection in the treatment area Surgical History: Patients who have undergone knee surgery within the past 6 months Scheduled surgery during the study period Advanced Disease: Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 4 (severe OA) where surgical intervention is indicated Pregnancy or Lactation: Pregnant or lactating women Severe Comorbidities: Uncontrolled diabetes Severe cardiovascular disease Neurological disorders that might interfere with participation or affect treatment outcomes

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 in Pain Intensity (WOMAC Pain Subscale)

Timeframe: Baseline to 4 weeks post-treatment initiation

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07551245

SponsorErbil Polytechnic University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-01-15

Contact for this trial

Mahdi Qadir, PhD

+9647504631542 mahdiqader@epu.edu.iq

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Knee Arthritis Osteoarthritis trials