Walking backwards could be a simple way to ease knee arthritis pain

NCT ID NCT07649863

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Anglia Ruskin University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests whether walking backwards on a treadmill (called retro walking) can help reduce pain and improve how people with knee osteoarthritis walk. Participants will do retro walking sessions, starting with 10 minutes and gradually increasing up to 30 minutes if pain stays low. The study will measure pain, knee function, and movement stability using questionnaires and motion analysis. The goal is to see if this simple exercise can be a useful, low-cost therapy for knee osteoarthritis.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: retro walking (backwards walking on a treadmill)
What this could lead to: If effective, retro walking could offer a simple, low-cost exercise option to ease knee pain and improve walking stability for people with knee osteoarthritis.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study with only 44 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The exercise may not reduce pain for everyone, and some people might find it difficult or uncomfortable.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA) OF THE KNEE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

osteoarthritis osteoarthritis, knee

As listed by the trial registrant

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

OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA) OF THE KNEE

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.