Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT07066215

Effects of Balance and Muscle Strength in Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic and progressive joint disease characterized by the degeneration of articular cartilage, subchondral bone sclerosis, and the formation of osteophytes. This condition leads to joint pain and stiffness, negatively affecting individuals' quality of life. Joint stiffness, decreased quadriceps strength, and impaired proprioceptive sensation result in functional limitations. Due to these symptoms, individuals experience difficulties in performing daily activities such as rising from a chair, walking, and climbing stairs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of balance, and muscle strength on functional capacity in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Primary Knee Osteoarthritis

Age range

45 year–75 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Bezmialem Vakif University

Istanbul, Eyup, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

In knee OA, structural changes in the cartilage and the formation of peripheral osteophytes contribute to joint stiffness and a reduction in the range of motion, which adversely affects physical function, particularly in older adults. Activities such as stair climbing, sitting and standing, and walking require the contribution of core muscles as well as lower extremity muscles, particularly the knee extensors. In knee OA, there is a reported decrease in lower extremity muscle strength, especially in the quadriceps femoris muscle, which further impairs functional activities in the advanced stages of the disease.

Arthritic damage to joint mechanoreceptors in osteoarthritis leads to a decline in motor control and proprioceptive sensitivity. These sensorimotor deficits result in decreased stability and impaired balance function. Additionally, reduced muscle strength can hinder neuromuscular control, leading to postural instability and an increased risk of falls, especially in older patients.

Identifying the factors that contribute to the decline in functional capacity is crucial for planning appropriate exercise programs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of balance, and muscle strength on functional capacity in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Primary knee osteoarthritis

Exclusion criteria

  • Previous surgery in the lower extremity
  • Neuromuscular disease
  • Vestibular pathology
  • Physiotherapy intervention or intra-articular injection within the last 6 months

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

  1. Muscle strength

    Time frame: Baseline

    Muscles strength measurement with 5 time sit-to-stand test

  2. Balance

    Time frame: Baseline

    Biodex Balance System will be used for postural stability evaluation. Lower scores indicate better stability and higher scores mean poor balance.

  3. 6-minute walk test

    Time frame: Baseline

    Walking distance will be measured

  4. Stair climb test

    Time frame: Baseline

    Test completion time will be evaluated

  5. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)

    Time frame: Baseline

    Function subscale consisting of 17 items will be used for evaluation. Higher scores indicate greater functional limitation.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Bezmialem Vakif University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Balance and Muscle Strength on Functional Capacity in Knee Osteoarthritis

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 15, 2025
Registry last updated
Apr 28, 2026

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.