Shock therapy for knees? electrical zaps may boost exercise benefits

NCT ID NCT06744036

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Nove de Julho Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether adding a mild electrical current (interferential current) to a standard exercise program can further reduce pain and improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis. 138 adults aged 40-75 with knee pain will be split into three groups: exercise only, exercise plus real electrical stimulation, or exercise plus a placebo device. The treatment lasts 8 weeks, and participants are followed for another 4 weeks to see if any benefits last.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: interferential current (a type of electrical stimulation)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a simple, drug-free way to boost the pain-relieving and function-improving effects of exercise for people with knee osteoarthritis.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial. The added benefit of interferential current may be small or no better than placebo. Results may not apply to all people with knee osteoarthritis.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

osteoarthritis, knee

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

OSTEOARTHRITIS, KNEE

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Nove de Julho
RECRUITING

São Paulo, 01504-001, Brazil

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