RecruitingInterventional

A randomised trial to understand the benefits of a new intervention designed to reduce muscle overactivity in people with knee osteoarthritis

This study is testing a new physiotherapy treatment called "Cognitive Muscular Therapy" (CMT) for people with knee osteoarthritis. Often, people with this condition tighten their knee muscles too much, which can make pain worse. While normal physiotherapy usually focuses on strengthening, CMT teaches you how to change these muscle patterns. We use special sensors to give visual feedback, helping you re-learn how to use your knee muscles better during daily activities. This study aims to find out if CMT is effective for those aged 45 and over who still have knee pain despite trying other physiotherapy. It’s comparing CMT alongside usual care against just usual care.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Salford

Enrolment target

252

Start

09 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2027

Knee osteoarthritis

What is this study about?

When people have knee osteoarthritis, their knee muscles can often become very tight, especially during everyday movements. This muscle tightness can put extra pressure on the knee joint and often makes the pain worse. While the usual physiotherapy for knee osteoarthritis focuses a lot on strengthening exercises, it doesn't always address these specific muscle tightening patterns.

That's where our new treatment, called Cognitive Muscular Therapy (CMT), comes in. It's delivered by physiotherapists and aims to teach you how to change the way your muscles respond to pain and how you use them during different activities. This therapy uses simple sensors placed on your skin, which give you visual feedback. This helps you understand and re-learn better ways to use your knee muscles when you stand or move around.

We're running this study because we want to see if CMT can genuinely help people with knee osteoarthritis, especially those who haven't found enough relief from standard physiotherapy treatments. We believe it could offer a new approach to managing pain and improving how well people can move.

Key takeaways

A new physiotherapy treatment (CMT) is being tested for knee osteoarthritis.
It aims to help people re-learn how to use their knee muscles to reduce pain.
The study includes adults aged 45 and over who haven't improved with usual physiotherapy.
Participants will either get CMT plus usual care, or just usual care.
Involves questionnaires and potentially seven weekly physiotherapy sessions.
The study lasts for one year and minimal risks are expected.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 45 or older who have knee osteoarthritis. You should also have ongoing knee pain that has lasted for more than six months and, importantly, you should not be satisfied with the results you've had from previous physiotherapy treatments.

To take part, you need to be able to stand for five minutes and walk on your own (you can use one walking stick or crutch if needed). You also need to be able to attend seven hour-long physiotherapy sessions. There are a few reasons you might not be able to join, such as having certain other health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia, or if you have a very high Body Mass Index (BMI) which would affect the equipment we use.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 45 years old or older?
Do you have knee osteoarthritis with pain that has lasted over 6 months?
Are you unhappy with the results of previous physiotherapy for your knee?
Can you stand for 5 minutes and walk on your own (maybe with one walking aid)?
Can you attend seven hour-long physiotherapy sessions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, everyone will fill out some questionnaires to help us understand your symptoms and how your knee pain affects your daily life. You'll complete these same questionnaires again after 6 months and a final time after 12 months.

After your first questionnaires, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups, like flipping a coin. One group will receive the new Cognitive Muscular Therapy (CMT). This involves seven weekly physiotherapy sessions. Participants in this group will also continue with their usual NHS care for knee osteoarthritis. The other group, called the control group, will simply continue with their usual NHS care as they would normally. The total time you'll be involved in the study is one year.

Potential risks and benefits

If you are in the group that receives the new treatment, you might find that your knee pain lessens and your ability to do daily activities improves. The study itself is very straightforward, and there are minimal risks involved. The physiotherapists use techniques that are already common in healthcare and are not expected to cause harm. You are always free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Salford Frederick Road Campus
Approximate
Salford, England

Common questions

What is Cognitive Muscular Therapy (CMT)?

It's a new type of physiotherapy that teaches you to notice and change how you use your knee muscles, especially if you tend to tighten them too much, which can make your pain worse.

Will I still get my usual NHS care for my knee?

Yes, all participants in the study, whether they receive the new treatment or not, will continue to access their regular NHS care for knee osteoarthritis.

How long will the study last for me?

You will be followed for a total of one year from when you join the study.

Where is this study taking place?

The study is being run from the University of Salford in the UK.

Who is paying for this research?

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research in the UK.

How to find out more

Stephen Preece

s.preece@salford.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.