Simple leg exercise may cut swelling and pain after knee replacement

NCT ID NCT07688642

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The trial has finished. Results may not be published yet.
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Cancelled before anyone took part.

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First seen Jul 07, 2026 · Last updated Jul 08, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether adding a simple leg exercise to standard recovery care can reduce swelling and inflammation after total knee replacement. The exercise involves lying or sitting while lifting the leg and moving the ankle. Researchers will measure leg swelling and pain in 68 adults who have knee replacement for osteoarthritis. If it works, this low-cost approach could improve recovery without extra medication.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
circulatory exercise program (leg elevation with ankle pump and knee extension)
What this could lead to
If effective, this simple exercise could become a standard part of knee replacement recovery, reducing swelling and pain without drugs.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage trial with 68 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The exercise may not significantly reduce inflammation or improve outcomes.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Phase

Not a phased trial

Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.

Participants

About 68 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Expected to start

Jun 2026

An estimate. Start dates often move.

Expected to finish

May 2027

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Ages

18 years and older

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults ≥ 18 years undergoing elective unilateral primary TKR for osteoarthritis. * Able to provide informed consent. * Able to perform the exercise (cognitively and physically) prior to discharge. Exclusion Criteria: * Preexisting peripheral vascular disease with severe ischemia or venous insufficiency that limits exercise. * Contraindication to early active movement per surgeon (e.g., complex surgical fixation limiting motion if present). * Severe neurological or cognitive impairment preventing instruction adherence. * Inability to comply with follow-up.

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Conditions

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As listed by the trial registrant

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