Preparing for an orthopedic consultation using an eHealth tool: a randomized controlled trial in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis

Abstract Background To evaluate the effect of a stand-alone mobile and web-based educational intervention (eHealth tool) compared to usual preparation of a first orthopedic consultation of patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA) on patients’ satisfaction. Methods A two-armed randomized controlled trial involving 286 patients with (suspicion of) hip or knee OA, randomly allocated to either receiving an educational eHealth tool to prepare their upcoming consultation (n = 144) or usual care (n = 142). Satisfaction with the consultation on three subscales (range 1–4) of the Consumer Quality Index (CQI - primary outcome) and knowledge (assessed using 22 statements on OA, range 0–22), treatment beliefs (assessed by the Treatment beliefs in OsteoArthritis questionnaire, range 1–5), assessment of patient’s involvement in consultation by the surgeon (assessed on a 5-point Likert scale) and patient satisfaction with the outcome of the consultation (numeric rating scale), were assessed. Results No differences between groups were observed on the 3 subscales of the CQI (group difference (95% CI): communication 0.009 (− 0.10, 0.12), conduct − 0.02 (− 0.12, 0.07) and information provision 0.02 (− 0.18, 0.21)). Between group differences (95% CI) were in favor of the intervention group for knowledge (1.4 (0.6, 2.2)), negative beliefs regarding physical activities (− 0.19 (− 0.37, − 0.002) and pain medication (− 0.30 (− 0.49, − 0.01)). We found no differences on other secondary outcomes. Conclusions An educational eHealth tool to prepare a first orthopedic consultation for hip or knee OA does not result in higher patient satisfaction with the consultation, but it does influence cognitions about osteoarthritis. Trial registration Dutch Trial Register (trial number NTR6262). Registered 30 January 2017.

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Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Combined with Exercises versus an Exercise Program on the Pain and the Function in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2013/272018 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Aline Mizusaki Imoto ◽

Stella Peccin ◽

Kelson Nonato Gomes da Silva ◽

Lucas Emmanuel Pedro de Paiva Teixeira ◽

Marcelo Ismael Abrahão ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Electrical Stimulation ◽

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation ◽

Functional Improvement ◽

Knee Oa ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Significant Difference

Objectives. To investigate the effect of 8 weeks of NMES + Ex (neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with exercises) on pain and functional improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) compared to exercise (Ex) alone.Design. Randomized controlled trial.Setting. A specialty outpatient clinic.Participants. Patients (N=100; women = 86, men = 14; age range, 50–75 years) with knee OA.Interventions. Participants were randomly assigned to NMES + Ex or Ex group.Outcome Measures. Numerical Rating Scale 0 to 10 (NRS) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test were the primary outcomes. The secondary outcomes used were the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).Results. Following the interventions, a statistically significant improvement in both groups was observed in all outcomes assessed. For the comparison between the groups, no statistically significant difference was found between the NMES + Ex and the Ex groups in NRS (P=0.52), TUG test (P=0.12), and aspects of WOMAC: pain (P=0.26), function (P=0.23), and stiffness (P=0.63).Conclusion. The addition of NMES to exercise did not improve the outcomes assessed in knee OA patients. This study was registered at the Australian Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN012607000357459).

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A Randomized Controlled Single-Blind Study Demonstrating Superiority of Amniotic Suspension Allograft Injection Over Hyaluronic Acid and Saline Control for Modification of Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms

The Journal of Knee Surgery ◽

10.1055/s-0039-1696672 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 (11) ◽

pp. 1143-1154 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jack Farr ◽

Andreas H. Gomoll ◽

Adam B. Yanke ◽

Eric J. Strauss ◽

Katie C. Mowry ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Hyaluronic Acid ◽

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Saline Control ◽

Knee Oa ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Symptomatic Knee ◽

Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Patient Reported

AbstractPlacental-derived tissues are a known source of anti-inflammatory and immune modulating factors. Published pilot data on amniotic suspension allograft (ASA) for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) demonstrated safety and trends for improved pain and function. A multicenter randomized controlled trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy of symptom modulation with ASA compared with saline and hyaluronic acid (HA) in subjects with knee OA. A total of 200 subjects were randomized 1:1:1 to ASA, HA, or saline, with subjects blinded to their allocation. Changes from baseline of patient-reported outcomes (PROs)—EQ-5D-5L, Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), visual analog scale (VAS), Tegner, and Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE)—were compared between groups. Patients reporting unacceptable pain at 3 months were considered treatment failures and withdrawn from the study. Statistical analysis was completed by comparing changes in PROs from baseline to 3 and 6 months for all groups. Comparison of demographics between treatment groups showed no significant differences between groups. Patients reporting unacceptable pain at 3 months in each group were ASA (13.2%), HA (68.8%), and saline (75%). Patients receiving ASA demonstrated significantly greater improvements from baseline for overall pain (VAS), KOOS pain, and KOOS-activities of daily living scores compared with those in the HA group (3 months) and both groups (6 months). ASA patients had significantly greater improvements in KOOS symptom scores compared with HA and saline at 3 and 6 months, respectively. OMERACT-OARSI responder rates for ASA, HA, and saline groups were 69.1, 39.1, and 42.6%, respectively (p = 0.0007). Subjects receiving ASA treatment showed greater improvements in PROs and fewer patients reported unacceptable pain compared with HA and saline. The evidence presented in this Level I Randomized Controlled Trial suggests that ASA injection is an effective treatment for the nonoperative management of symptomatic knee OA.

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Effects of a 12-Week Multifaceted Wearable-Based Program for People With Knee Osteoarthritis: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.19116 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Linda C Li ◽

Lynne M Feehan ◽

Hui Xie ◽

Na Lu ◽

Christopher D Shaw ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Knee Oa ◽

Counseling Intervention ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Phone Calls ◽

Secondary Outcomes

BACKGROUND Current guidelines emphasize an active lifestyle in the management of knee osteoarthritis (OA), but up to 90% of patients with OA are inactive. In a previous study, we demonstrated that an 8-week physiotherapist (PT)-led counseling intervention, with the use of a Fitbit, improved step count and quality of life in patients with knee OA, compared with a control. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the effect of a 12-week, multifaceted wearable-based program on physical activity and patient outcomes in patients with knee OA. METHODS This was a randomized controlled trial with a delay-control design. The immediate group (IG) received group education, a Fitbit, access to FitViz (a Fitbit-compatible app), and 4 biweekly phone calls from a PT over 8 weeks. Participants then continued using Fitbit and FitViz independently up to week 12. The delay group (DG) received a monthly electronic newsletter in weeks 1 to 12 and started the same intervention in week 14. Participants were assessed in weeks 13, 26, and 39. The primary outcome was time spent in daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; in bouts ≥10 min) measured with a SenseWear Mini. Secondary outcomes included daily steps, time spent in purposeful activity and sedentary behavior, Knee Injury and OA Outcome Score, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Partners in Health Scale, Theory of Planned Behavior Questionnaire, and Self-Reported Habit Index. RESULTS We enrolled 51 participants (IG: n=26 and DG: n=25). Compared with the IG, the DG accumulated significantly more MVPA time at baseline. The adjusted mean difference in MVPA was 13.1 min per day (95% CI 1.6 to 24.5). A significant effect was also found in the adjusted mean difference in perceived sitting habit at work (0.7; 95% CI 0.2 to 1.2) and during leisure activities (0.7; 95% CI 0.2 to 1.2). No significant effect was found in the remaining secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS A 12-week multifaceted program with the use of a wearable device, an app, and PT counseling improved physical activity in people with knee OA. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02585323; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02585323

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Effects of variable frequencies of kinesthesia, balance and agility exercise program in adults with knee osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

10.21203/rs.3.rs-28963/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Aysha I. Adhama ◽

Mukadas O. Akindele ◽

Aminu A. Ibrahim

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Conventional Therapy ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Hip Osteoarthritis ◽

Life Questionnaire ◽

Knee Oa ◽

Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common painful and disabling condition that affects older individuals. Proprioceptive training programs in the form of kinesthesia, balance and agility (KBA) exercises have been reported to be beneficial for individuals with knee OA. However, the most optimal treatment dosage of KBA exercise is still unclear. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of different frequencies of KBA treatment (i.e. twice-weekly or thrice-weekly) in adults with knee OA.Methods: A single (assessor) blind, three-arm parallel, multi-center randomized controlled trial will be conducted. Eighty-four adults with knee OA will be recruited from four tertiary hospitals in Northwestern Nigeria and randomly assigned into one of three intervention groups; twice-weekly KBA (n = 28), thrice-weekly KBA (n = 28), and conventional physiotherapy or control (n = 28) in the ratio of 1:1:1. Participants in the conventional therapy group will receive two sessions of brief patient education, and 16 sessions of ultrasound therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises for 8 weeks. Participants in the two different KBA groups will receive KBA exercise according to the designed sessions for 8 weeks in addition to the conventional therapy. All groups will be assessed pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention and at 8 weeks, 3-month, 4-month, and 6-month post-randomization. The primary outcome will be physical function (Ibadan Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Measure) while the secondary outcomes will be pain (Visual Analogue Scale for pain), knee stability (Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale), proprioception (electronic goniometer), and quality of life (Osteoarthritis Knee and Hip Quality of Life Questionnaire).Discussion: Findings of this study may provide evidence on the effectiveness of KBA exercise and the ideal number of sessions needed to achieve the highest effectiveness in adults with knee OA.Trial registration: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, (PACTR201810713260138), Retrospectively registered on 28 November 2017.

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Evaluating the efficacy of Internet-Based Exercise programme Aimed at Treating knee Osteoarthritis (iBEAT-OA) in the community: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030564 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. e030564

Author(s):

Sameer Akram Gohir ◽

Paul Greenhaff ◽

Abhishek Abhishek ◽

Ana M. Valdes

Keyword(s):

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Maximum Voluntary Contraction ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Exercise Programme ◽

Control Group ◽

Knee Oa ◽

Randomised Controlled

IntroductionKnee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease worldwide. As of today, there are no disease-modifying drugs, but there is evidence that muscle strengthening exercises can substantially reduce pain and improve function in this disorder, and one very well tested physiotherapy protocol is the ‘Better Management of Patients with Osteoarthritis’ developed in Sweden. Given the high prevalence of knee OA, a potentially cost-effective, digitally delivered approach to treat knee OA should be trialled. This study aims to explore the benefits of iBEAT-OA (Internet-Based Exercise programme Aimed at Treating knee Osteoarthritis) in modulating pain, function and other health-related outcomes in individuals with knee OA.Methods and analysisA randomised controlled trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a web-based exercise programme in a population with knee OA compared with standard community care provided by general practitioners (GPs) in the UK. We anticipate recruiting participants into equal groups. The intervention group (n=67) will exercise for 20–30 min daily for six consecutive weeks, whereas the control group (n=67) will follow GP-recommended routine care. The participants will be assessed using a Numerical Rating Scale, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, the Arthritis Research UK Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, 30 s sit to stand test, timed up and go test, quantitative sensory testing, musculoskeletal ultrasound scan, muscle thickness assessment of the vastus lateralis, and quadriceps muscles force generation during an isokinetic maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Samples of urine, blood, faeces and synovial fluid will be collected to establish biomarkers associated with changes in pain and sleep patterns in individuals affected with knee OA. Standard parametric regression methods will be used for statistical analysis.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee (ref: 18/EM/0154) and the Health Research Authority (protocol no: 18021). The study was registered in June 2018. The results of the trial will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberNCT03545048

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Randomized controlled trial of aquatic exercise for treatment of knee osteoarthritis in elderly people

Interventional Medicine and Applied Science ◽

10.1556/1646.11.2019.19 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 161-167

Author(s):

Sirous Azizi ◽

Afsaneh Dadarkhah ◽

Zahra Rezasoltani ◽

Seyed Ahmad Raeissadat ◽

Reza Kazempoor Mofrad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Group Intervention ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

University Hospital ◽

Aquatic Exercise ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group Control

Aim The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of aquatic exercise on pain, gait, and balance among elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods We performed a randomized controlled trial at a university hospital. Overall, 32 men with knee osteoarthritis, aged ≥ 60 years, were included. Pain, balance, and gait were evaluated before and 2 months after interventions. The group control used acetaminophen and followed lifestyle recommendations. The intervention group performed the aquatic exercise three sessions per week for 8 weeks. Results At the end of the study, mean pain scores were significantly different between the groups (p = 0.010). Within-group analyses showed that group intervention experienced significant pain relief (p = 0.019), whereas group control did not show the significant change (p = 0.493). There was significant improvement in favor of aquatic exercise with regard to static (p = 0.001) and dynamic (p = 0.001) balance, step length (p = 0.038), stride length (p < 0.001), and cadence (p < 0.001). However, we did not find a significant difference in step time and width between the two groups. Conclusions Aquatic exercise would be beneficial in decreasing subjective pain of osteoarthritis. There are some recognizable improvements in patients’ gait and balance as well.

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Aquatic Physical Therapy for Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis: Results of a Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20060006 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 87 (1) ◽

pp. 32-43 ◽

Cited By ~ 172

Author(s):

Rana S Hinman ◽

Sophie E Heywood ◽

Anthony R Day

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Physical Therapy ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Physical Function ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Knee Oa ◽

Randomized Controlled

Background and Purpose Aquatic physical therapy is frequently used in the management of patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA), yet there is little research establishing its efficacy for this population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of aquatic physical therapy on hip or knee OA. Subjects A total of 71 volunteers with symptomatic hip OA or knee OA participated in this study. Methods The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial in which participants randomly received 6 weeks of aquatic physical therapy or no aquatic physical therapy. Outcome measures included pain, physical function, physical activity levels, quality of life, and muscle strength. Results The intervention resulted in less pain and joint stiffness and greater physical function, quality of life, and hip muscle strength. Totals of 72% and 75% of participants reported improvements in pain and function, respectively, compared with only 17% (each) of control participants. Benefits were maintained 6 weeks after the completion of physical therapy, with 84% of participants continuing independently. Discussion and Conclusion Compared with no intervention, a 6-week program of aquatic physical therapy resulted in significantly less pain and improved physical function, strength, and quality of life. It is unclear whether the benefits were attributable to intervention effects or a placebo response.

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Effects of variable frequencies of kinesthesia, balance and agility exercise program in adults with knee osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽

10.1186/s13063-021-05386-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Aysha I. Adhama ◽

Mukadas O. Akindele ◽

Aminu A. Ibrahim

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Hip Osteoarthritis ◽

Life Questionnaire ◽

Knee Oa ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Conventional Physiotherapy

Abstract Background Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common painful and disabling condition that affects older individuals. Proprioceptive training programs in the form of kinesthesia, balance and agility (KBA) exercises have been reported to be beneficial for individuals with knee OA. However, the most optimal training dosage of KBA exercises is still unclear. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of different frequencies of KBA training (i.e., twice-weekly or thrice-weekly) in adults with knee OA. Methods A single (assessor) blind, three-arm parallel, multi-center randomized controlled trial will be conducted. One hundred twenty adults with knee OA will be recruited from four tertiary hospitals in Northwestern Nigeria and randomly assigned into one of three intervention groups; twice-weekly KBA (n = 40), thrice-weekly KBA (n = 40), and conventional physiotherapy (n = 40) in the ratio of 1:1:1. Participants in the conventional physiotherapy group will receive two sessions of brief patient education, and sixteen sessions of ultrasound therapy, and stretching and strengthening exercises for 8 weeks. Participants in the two different KBA groups will receive KBA training according to the designed sessions for 8 weeks in addition to the conventional physiotherapy program. All groups will be assessed pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention and at 3 months, 4 months, and 6 months post-randomization. The primary outcome will be physical function (Ibadan Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Measure) whereas the secondary outcomes will be pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale for pain), knee stability (Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale), proprioception (electronic goniometer), and quality of life (Osteoarthritis Knee and Hip Quality of Life Questionnaire). Discussion The findings of this study may provide evidence on the effectiveness of KBA exercise training and the ideal number of sessions needed to achieve the highest effectiveness in adults with knee OA. Trial registration Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR201810713260138). Registered on 28 November 2017.

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Feasibility and Acceptability of a smoking cessation smartphone app in older persons: eQUIT, a pilot randomized controlled trial (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.24976 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jenny Peek ◽

Karen Hay ◽

Pauline Hughes ◽

Adrienne Kostellar ◽

Subodh Kumar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Smoking Cessation ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Number Needed To Treat ◽

Smoking Abstinence ◽

High Quality ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND Although many smoking cessation smartphone apps exist, few have been independently evaluated, particularly in older populations. In 2017, of 112 commercially available smoking cessation apps available in Australia, only six were deemed high quality, in that they partially adhered to Australian guidelines. mHealth apps have the potential to modify smoking behaviour at relatively low cost, but acceptability in older smokers is unknown. Rigorous scientific evaluation of apps is urgently needed to assist smokers and clinicians alike. OBJECTIVE We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial to assess the feasibility of a large-scale trial to assess the use and acceptability of a high-quality smoking cessation app in older smokers METHODS Adult inpatient and outpatient smokers with computer and smartphone access were recruited face to face and via telephone from Metropolitan Hospitals in Brisbane, Australia. Participants were randomized 1:1 to the “My QuitBuddy” smoking cessation app (intervention) or the tailored smoking cessation support web site “Quit HQ” (control). The My QuitBuddy app is freely available from app stores and provides personalised evidenced based smoking cessation support. Quit HQ offers regular email support over twelve weeks. No training or instructions in the use of the e-resources was given to participants. Outcomes at three months included recruitment and retention rates, use and acceptability of e-resource (User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS)), changes in quitting motivation (10-point scale) and self-reported smoking abstinence. RESULTS We randomized 64 of 231 potentially eligible individuals (27.7%). Mean age was 62 years. Nicotine dependence was moderate (mean Heaviness of Smoking Index 2.8 (SD 1.2)). At three-months, follow-up was 91%. Fifteen intervention arm participants (52%) used the app at least once, compared to ten (34%) in the control arm (p=0.29). E-resource uMARS scores were statistically similar. Motivation to quit was significantly higher in the intervention arm compared to the control arm (median 6 [IQR 4-8] versus 4 [IQR 4-5] respectively, p=0.02). Smoking abstinence was non-significantly higher in the intervention group n=4, (13%, [95% CI: 4-30%] versus n=2, 6% [95% CI: 1-20%], p=0.42, ITT analysis). The estimated number needed to treat was 15. CONCLUSIONS Internet and mHealth smoking cessation resources appear acceptable to a minority of older smokers. However, whilst smokers who engaged with the allocated e-resources rated them equally, there were trends towards greater uptake, increased motivation and higher abstinence rates in the app group, although only the change in motivation reached statistical significance. This pilot study suggests apps may improve quit outcomes in older adults who are willing to use them. Further research into user-app interactions should be undertaken to facilitate improvements in app design and consumer engagement. These favourable trends should be explored in larger trials with sufficient statistical power. CLINICALTRIAL Trial Registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ACTRN12619000159156)

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Efficacy of Leg Swing Versus Quadriceps Strengthening Exercise Among Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

10.21203/rs.3.rs-623947/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ruiyang Li ◽

Pingping Sun ◽

Yu Zhan ◽

Xuetao Xie ◽

Weibing Yan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Surgical Treatment ◽

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Physical Function ◽

Knee Pain ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Knee Oa ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Strengthening Exercise ◽

Non Surgical Treatment

Abstract Background Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of global disability. According to guidelines, thus far, exercise is the most recommended and important non-surgical treatment for knee OA. However, the best type of exercise for this condition remains unclear. There is evidence showing that traditional Chinese exercises may be more effective. Therefore, the current prospective, two-armed, single-center randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to identify an effective physiotherapy for knee OA. Methods/design: In total, 128 patients with painful knee OA will be recruited from the orthopaedic outpatient department of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital. To compare the therapeutic effect of two different home-based exercise programs, the participants will be randomly assigned into the experimental group (leg swing exercise) or the control group (quadriceps strengthening exercise). Each participant in both groups will be required to attend five individual sessions with a physiotherapist who will teach the exercise program and monitor progress. Participants will be instructed to perform the exercises at home every day for 12 weeks. Clinical outcomes will be assessed at baseline and 12 and 24 weeks after starting the intervention. The primary outcomes are average overall knee pain and physical function in daily life. The secondary outcomes include other measures of knee pain, physical function, patient-perceived satisfactory improvement, health-related quality of life, physical activity and performance, muscle strength of the lower limb, and adherence. Discussion This study will provide more evidence on the effects of traditional Chinese exercise on improving physical function and relieving joint pain among patients with knee OA. If proven effective, leg swing exercise can be used as a non-surgical treatment for knee OA in the future. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry reference: ChiCTR2000039005, registered 13/10/2020. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=62497

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