Can hip exercises protect knee cartilage in osteoarthritis?

NCT ID NCT07657481

Not yet recruiting Disease control Sponsor: Pamukkale University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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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.

OSTEO ARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Kütahya Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital

Kütahya, Turkey (Türkiye)

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