Can hip exercises protect knee cartilage in osteoarthritis?

NCT ID NCT07657481

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

Summary

This trial investigates whether adding hip strengthening exercises to a standard quadriceps program better preserves knee cartilage thickness and improves symptoms in people with knee osteoarthritis. Fifty-six adults with mild-to-moderate knee OA will be randomly assigned to one of two home exercise routines. Researchers will use ultrasound to measure cartilage changes at 1 and 3 months, alongside pain and function assessments.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

home exercise program (quadriceps strengthening with or without hip abductor/adductor exercises)

What this could lead to

If hip exercises prove more effective, this could lead to better non-surgical treatments for knee osteoarthritis that preserve cartilage and reduce pain.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial with only 56 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Exercise programs rely on patient adherence, and cartilage changes may be minimal.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Kütahya Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital

    Kütahya, Turkey (Türkiye)

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••