Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT06885008

Effect of Video-based Game and Aerobic Exercise on Knee Osteoarthritis

This randomized controlled trial was conducted by the CONSORT guidelines for non-pharmacological treatments. Participants were randomly assigned to control, gaming, or aerobic groups using the closed-envelope randomization method. All groups received conventional physiotherapy for 8 weeks. In addition, the gaming group played active video games 3 days per week, while the aerobic group engaged in cycling-based aerobic exercise (20 minutes per session) 3 days per week. The control group received only conventional physiotherapy and continued their daily activities. Evaluations were performed by the same assessor at the baseline and after eight weeks.

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Osteoarthritis of Knee Arthritis Joint Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis, Knee Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Rheumatic Diseases Signs and Symptoms

Age range

30 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Hasan Kalyoncu University, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Şahinbey, Gaziantep, 27300, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Participants, aged 30-65 years who were diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral osteoarthritis based on the clinical and radiological criteria of the American College of Rheumatology.
  • The severity of osteoarthritis was classified as stage 2-3 according to the Kellgren-Lawrence grading system for gonarthrosis.
  • Participants were required to be able to walk independently for at least 15 meters and to refrain from using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during the study period.

Exclusion criteria

  • A history of lower extremity surgery within the past 6 months,
  • The presence of neurological or systemic diseases,
  • Other inflammatory joint diseases,
  • Getting classic physiotherapy and rehabilitation within the past month,
  • Intra-articular corticosteroid injections within the past 3 months,
  • Severe joint deformities or movement restrictions,
  • Severe visual impairments.

Treatment and study plan

Active video game

Other

The participants played the video game using an Xbox 360 Kinect console connected to a 55-inch Full HD television. The video games were planned with the assistance of a physiotherapist, 3 days per week, with 8 repetitions during the first 4 weeks and 12 repetitions during the final 4 weeks. The warm-up and cool-down periods were designed and applicated.

Aerobic Exercise

Other

Aerobic exercise training was performed on a stationary bike, 3 days per week, for 20 minutes per session. The intensity of the aerobic exercise was determined using the Karvonen method. For the first 4 weeks, the intensity was set at 30-50% of the maximum heart rate (MHR), corresponding to light intensity, and was then increased to 50-70% (moderate intensity) for the following 4 weeks. A pulse oximeter (ChoiceMMed, China) was used to monitor the target heart rate. During both the warm-up and cool-down phases of the aerobic exercise, participants performed hip abduction and adduction, hip-knee flexion, heel raises, and mini squats while standing for 3-5 minutes.

conventional treatment

Other

Convetional treatment included Hotpack, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), and Ultrasound (US) modalities, were applied to the symptomatic knee(s) for a total duration of 30 minutes. Following this, the exercise program outlined below was performed with 3 sets of 10 repetitions each. The session lasted approximately 45 minutes.

Primary outcomes

  1. Knee disability

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    The WOMAC index was used to assess functional disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis. It consists of 24 items divided into three subcategories: pain severity, stiffness, and physical function. Each item is scored on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 to 4. The total score is calculated as a percentage, with higher scores indicating increased pain and stiffness and reduced physical function.

  2. Functional capacity

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    The 6MWT was used to measure patients' functional capacity. Two cones were placed 30 meters apart, and participants were instructed to walk as quickly as possible without running. The total distance walked in six minutes was recorded in (m) meters.

  3. Functional Performance

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    The TUG test was administered to assess dynamic balance, walking speed, and functional performance. Participants were seated in a fixed chair without armrests, with their hips and knees positioned at a 90-degree angle. Upon the "START" command, they were instructed to stand up, walk three meters, turn around a designated cone, and return to the starting position. The total time (seconds) required to complete the task was recorded.

  4. Balance

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    The modified Y-Balance test was used to assess dynamic balance. In this test, the maximum distances reached in the Anterior (A), Posteromedial (PM), and Posterolateral (PL) directions were recorded. The assessment was conducted using a specialized platform with Y-shape. Participants were instructed to position the foot being tested at the center of the platform while reaching as far as possible with the opposite foot in the A, PM, and PL directions. Measurements were taken bilaterally, ensuring that the participant's balance was maintained throughout the procedure. The test was repeated three times, and the average distances were recorded in (cm) centimeters.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Limb strength

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    The strength of selected lower extremity muscles was measured using a hand-held dynamometer (HHD) (Model-01165, Lafayette Instrument®, Lafayette IN, USA), with results recorded in newtons. Quadriceps, hamstring, gluteus medius muscles strength were measured. Before strength measurements, each participant performed a familiarization trial. Three measurements were taken for each muscle group, and the average value was used for analysis. A 120-second rest period was provided between measurements,

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Hasan Kalyoncu University

Other

Collaborators

  • The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey

Registry information

Official study title

The Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Active Video Games as Adjuncts to Conventional Physiotherapy on Pain, Functional Capacity, and Balance in Knee Osteoarthritis

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Mar 19, 2025
Registry last updated
Mar 24, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.