NCT07396233

Effects of Diagonal Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Patterns on Pain and Functional Outcomes in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 150 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Karachi · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 40 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

A randomized controlled trial will be conducted at the Department of Physiotherapy, Dr. Ziauddin Hospital and Al-Rayaz Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 150 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, aged between 40-60 years, will be recruited through a non-probability purposive sampling technique. Written informed consent will be obtained from all eligible participants prior to enrollment. The participants will be randomly allocated by the help of computer generated randomization sheet, into two groups i.e. experimental and the control group, with 75 participants in each group. Group A (experimental group) will receive diagonal proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) pattern exercises, while Group B (control group) will receive conventional strength training exercises. Heat therapy will be administered to both groups. All participants will be assessed using a standardized assessment form. Outcome measures will include pain intensity, knee range of motion, functional disability, hamstring flexibility, dynamic balance, and fatigue level. A single blinded assessor will assess all participants at baseline and at post intervention. Treatment sessions will be given thrice a week on alternate days for 6 weeks.

Detailed description

The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 will be used for data analysis. Mean and standard deviation will be calculated for quantitative variables such as age. Qualitative variables will be presented as frequencies and percentages. Outcome measures (decrease pain intensity, improve functional disability, increase knee range of motion, improve hamstring flexibility, dynamic balance, and fatigue level) recorded at baseline and after 18th session of intervention will be compared and analyzed. Repeated measures ANOVA will be applied for statistical analysis. A p-value of less than 0.05 will be considered as the level of statistical significance.

Conditions

• Knee Osteoarthristis
• Osteearthritis
• Knee Pain Arthritis

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Diagonal Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Pattern Exercises	Diagonal PNF pattern exercises include Diagonal 1 and Diagonal 2 lower limb pattern movements performed against resistance to improve strength, flexibility, and functional performance.
OTHER	Conventional Strength Training Exercises	The conventional strength training exercises include quadriceps and hip abductor strengthening performed using resisted active movements to improve muscle strength and functional ability.
OTHER	Heat Therapy	Heat therapy will be given for 10 minutes by the help of electric heating pad.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-02-07
• Primary completion: 2027-01-19
• Completion: 2027-02-22
• First posted: 2026-02-09
• Last updated: 2026-02-11

Locations

2 sites across 1 country: Pakistan