NCT07066670

Strain Counterstrain and Muscle Energy Technique in Patients of Knee Osteoarthritis

Comparative Effects of Strain Counterstrain and Muscle Energy Technique on Pain, Range of Motion, and Functional Disability in Patients of Knee Osteoarthritis

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 76 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of Lahore · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 45 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study aimed to evaluate the comparative effects of Strain Counterstrain (SCS) and Muscle Energy Technique (MET) on pain, range of motion (ROM), and functional disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Conducted as a single-blinded randomized control trial at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, 76 participants were divided into two groups, receiving either SCS or MET alongside routine physical therapy. Outcome measures included pain intensity, ROM, and functional disability via KOOS.

Detailed description

This randomized controlled trial investigated the comparative efficacy of Strain Counterstrain (SCS) and Muscle Energy Technique (MET) in managing knee osteoarthritis (KOA) symptoms. A total of 76 patients meeting inclusion criteria were randomly assigned into two equal groups. Group A received SCS along with routine physical therapy, and Group B received MET with the same physiotherapy protocol. The interventions were carried out five days a week for eight weeks, and outcomes were measured at baseline, four weeks, and eight weeks. Pain was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), range of motion (ROM) via goniometry, and functional disability using the KOOS index.

Conditions

• Stroke

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Strain Counterstrain with Routine Physical Therapy	This intervention involves applying the Strain Counterstrain (SCS) technique in combination with standard physical therapy. SCS targets tender points through passive positioning to reduce muscle tension and pain. The patient is positioned in a position of comfort for 90 seconds while monitoring the tender point. This is followed by gradual return to neutral. Routine physical therapy includes electrotherapy (TENS, IR, ultrasound), strengthening (short arc quads, terminal knee extension), and stretching exercises. The therapy is administered 5 days per week over 8 weeks.
BEHAVIORAL	Muscle Energy Technique with Routine Physical Therapy	This intervention combines Muscle Energy Technique (MET) with routine physical therapy. MET involves voluntary muscle contractions against resistance, followed by stretching to restore range of motion and relieve pain. Techniques include post-isometric relaxation and slow eccentric isotonic stretching, particularly targeting hamstring and quadriceps tightness. Routine physical therapy includes electrotherapy (TENS, IR, ultrasound), as well as structured strengthening and stretching exercises. The intervention was delivered 5 days a week for 8 weeks.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-03-15
• Primary completion: 2024-12-13
• Completion: 2025-02-20
• First posted: 2025-07-15
• Last updated: 2025-07-15

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan