Knee Osteoarthritis (Knee OA)NCT07482332
Effects of Core Stabilization Exercises in Female Patients With Gonarthrosis
A study testing 10 days of conventional physiotherapy (Hot Pack, TENS, Ultrasound) and 6 weeks of routine knee exercises and Six weeks of core stabilization exercises. in people with Knee Osteoarthritis (Knee OA), run by Cumhuriyet University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a non-inflammatory degenerative disease characterized by progressive deterioration of cartilage tissue, synovial membrane, and joint capsule, primarily affecting weight-bearing joints. Individuals with knee osteoarthritis exhibit weakness in the trunk and periarticular muscles. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 45 to 65 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Knee Osteoarthritis (Knee OA)
- What is being tested?
- 10 days of conventional physiotherapy (Hot Pack, TENS, Ultrasound) and 6 weeks of routine knee exercises and Six weeks of core stabilization exercises.
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 5 Jan 2026to 14 Sep 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 45 to 65 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Kellgren-Lawrence 2-3 knee osteoarthritis
- Female patient aged 40-65
- Volunteer
Who cannot join
- Having received physical therapy within the last month
- Presence of neurological, cardiac, and respiratory problems
- Less than 90 degrees of flexion in the knee and hip joints
- Presence of any pathology in the lower extremity that may affect balance and function
- History of lower extremity surgery
- Severe visual, hearing, and speech impairment
- Illiteracy in Turkish
- Body mass index of 30 or higher
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Sivas Cumhuriyet University
Sivas, 58140
Selvin Balki, Associate professor, Ph.D., +90 346 4870000 ext. 2652, balkipt@gmail.com
Eda Yıldırım, PT, +90 5056925334, edaayldrm7@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: Randomized Controlled Study of the Effects of Core Stabilization Exercises in Addition to Knee Exercises in Female Patients With Gonarthrosis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a non-inflammatory degenerative disease characterized by progressive deterioration of cartilage tissue, synovial membrane, and joint capsule, primarily affecting weight-bearing joints. Individuals with knee osteoarthritis exhibit weakness in the trunk and periarticular muscles. This loss of strength in the trunk and periarticular muscles increases the load on the joint, contributing to the development and progression of the disease. This study aimed to investigate the effects of core stabilization, applied in addition to knee muscle exercise programs, on clinical symptoms and functional capacity in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
Read the detailed description
Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic joint disease and a leading cause of disability worldwide. It represents a significant public health and cost problem due to reduced work productivity and early retirement. OA is a non-inflammatory degenerative disease characterized by progressive deterioration of cartilage tissue, synovial membrane, and joint capsule, particularly in weight-bearing joints, along with a series of biochemical and morphological changes. While its etiology is not fully understood, it is considered a multifactorial disease involving a combination of systemic and regional factors. Increased bone density, joint laxity, and excessive mechanical loading are some of these factors. Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include pain, joint stiffness, swelling, loss of function, and muscle weakness. Pain and joint stiffness in individuals negatively affect daily living activities such as climbing stairs, walking, and running, leading to decreased functionality. Current literature emphasizes that strong proximal trunk stabilization is needed for safe and effective completion of movements in the distal segments, and that weakness in this region is directly related to lower extremity pain. This study aimed to investigate the effects of core stabilization, applied in addition to an exercise program for the knee muscles, on clinical symptoms and functional capacity in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
- Conditions
- Knee Osteoarthritis (Knee OA)
- Being tested
- 10 days of conventional physiotherapy (Hot Pack, TENS, Ultrasound) and 6 weeks of routine knee exercises, Six weeks of core stabilization exercises.
- Keywords
- Knee osteoarthritis, Core stabilization exercise, Physiotherapy, Function
- Medical subject headings
- Osteoarthritis, Knee
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
10 days of conventional physiotherapy (Hot Pack, TENS, Ultrasound) and 6 weeks of routine knee exercisesOther
For 10 days, conventional physical therapy consisting of Hot Pack, TENS, Ultrasound, and routine knee strengthening exercises was applied in the hospital. These knee exercises were continued for four weeks after the hospital treatment period.
Six weeks of core stabilization exercises.Other
For six weeks, Warner et al. A core stabilization exercise protocol, as defined by was provided. This protocol included neutral spine position in hook position, activation of deep abdominal muscles, supine bridge, ipsilateral and contralateral limb movements in hook position, abdominal curl (sit-up), bridge (double and single leg), plank on knees, side plank on knees, clam exercise (without resistance), and modified 100 exercises. The exercises were performed 3 days a week, with 10 repetitions each.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental Group | Experimental | This group will receive 10 days of conventional physiotherapy (Hot Pack, TENS, Ultrasound) and 6 weeks of routine knee exercises + 6 weeks of core stabilization exercises. Receives: Other: 10 days of conventional physiotherapy (Hot Pack, TENS, Ultrasound) and 6 weeks of routine knee exercises; Other: Six weeks of core stabilization exercises. |
| Control Group | Other | This group will receive 10 days of conventional physiotherapy (Hot Pack, TENS, Ultrasound) and 6 weeks of routine knee exercises. Receives: Other: 10 days of conventional physiotherapy (Hot Pack, TENS, Ultrasound) and 6 weeks of routine knee exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Sit Ups
Participants are positioned supine with knees flexed and hands crossed over their shoulders. Their feet are held in place by the researcher, and the individual is asked to perform trunk flexion. The number of repetitions completed within 30 seconds is recorded.
Measured: Baseline-6 weeks follow-up
Modified Push-Up
Participants lie face down on an exercise mat with their knees flexed. They are asked to lift their head, torso, and hips off the ground, placing their hands on the floor and extending their elbows, so that they form a straight line. The number of complete repetitions the participant performs while maintaining this straight line within 30 seconds is recorded.
Measured: Baseline-6 weeks follow-up
Core Endurance Tests
Core endurance is determined by core endurance tests (right and left lateral bridge test, trunk extension test, trunk flexion test), as defined by McGgill, and the prone bridge test.
Measured: Baseline-6 weeks follow-up
Secondary outcomes (3)
30-Second Sit-Stand Test
Used to assess lower extremity muscle strength. The participant sits in the middle of a chair with no armrests, back support, and a seat height of 44 cm, with their arms crossed at chest level. Upon the command "Start," the participant is asked to fully stand up and sit down as quickly as possible without losing their balance for 30 seconds. The number of complete sit-ups and stands within 30 seconds is recorded as a score.
Measured: Baseline-6 weeks follow-up
Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)
The index is a validated, multidimensional, patient-reported assessment tool used to evaluate pain, stiffness, and physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The index consists of three subcategories and a total of 24 items: pain (5 questions; 0-20 points), stiffness (2 questions; 0-8 points), and physical function (17 questions; 0-68 points). Each item is worth 0-4 points. The total score ranges from 0 to 96. In all subcategories and the total score, higher scores indicate worse health status, while lower scores indicate better health status.
Measured: Baseline-6 weeks follow-up
Single Leg Balance Test
Participants were asked to stand on one leg on a hard surface, ensuring that the unsupported leg did not touch the other leg and without using external support. The procedure was repeated three times for each participant, and the highest value obtained was used in the statistical analysis phase. The timer was started the moment the participant lifted the supporting leg; it was stopped when the balance was lost, when the unsupported leg touched the ground, or when external support was applied. This test was repeated on both the right and left sides.
Measured: Baseline-6 weeks follow-up
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted19 Mar 2026
- Study start5 Jan 2026
- Primary completion31 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion14 Sep 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Knee Osteoarthritis (Knee OA)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Paralel Randomized
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Cumhuriyet University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Selvin BALKİ, Cumhuriyet University
- Investigators
- Selvin Balki, Study chair, Cumhuriyet UniversityEda Yıldırım, Principal investigator, Cumhuriyet University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07482332
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- SCU-FTR-SB-08
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 16 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 19 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 19 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Randomized Controlled Study of the Effects of Core Stabilization Exercises in Addition to Knee Exercises in Female Patients With Gonarthrosis
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07482332
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- SCU-FTR-SB-08
- Conditions
- Knee Osteoarthritis (Knee OA)
- Keywords
- Knee osteoarthritis, Core stabilization exercise, Physiotherapy, Function
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Cumhuriyet UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 5 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 14 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 19 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a non-inflammatory degenerative disease characterized by progressive deterioration of cartilage tissue, synovial membrane, and joint capsule, primarily affecting weight-bearing joints. Individuals with knee osteoarthritis exhibit weakness in the trunk and periarticular muscles. This loss of strength in the trunk and periarticular muscles increases the load on the joint, contributing to the development and progression of the disease. This study aimed to investigate the effects of core stabilization, applied in addition to knee muscle exercise programs, on clinical symptoms and functional capacity in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
Detailed description
Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic joint disease and a leading cause of disability worldwide. It represents a significant public health and cost problem due to reduced work productivity and early retirement. OA is a non-inflammatory degenerative disease characterized by progressive deterioration of cartilage tissue, synovial membrane, and joint capsule, particularly in weight-bearing joints, along with a series of biochemical and morphological changes. While its etiology is not fully understood, it is considered a multifactorial disease involving a combination of systemic and regional factors. Increased bone density, joint laxity, and excessive mechanical loading are some of these factors. Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include pain, joint stiffness, swelling, loss of function, and muscle weakness. Pain and joint stiffness in individuals negatively affect daily living activities such as climbing stairs, walking, and running, leading to decreased functionality. Current literature emphasizes that strong proximal trunk stabilization is needed for safe and effective completion of movements in the distal segments, and that weakness in this region is directly related to lower extremity pain. This study aimed to investigate the effects of core stabilization, applied in addition to an exercise program for the knee muscles, on clinical symptoms and functional capacity in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Paralel Randomized
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental Group | Experimental | Other: 10 days of conventional physiotherapy (Hot Pack, TENS, Ultrasound) and 6 weeks of routine knee exercises, Other: Six weeks of core stabilization exercises.This group will receive 10 days of conventional physiotherapy (Hot Pack, TENS, Ultrasound) and 6 weeks of routine knee exercises + 6 weeks of core stabilization exercises. |
| Control Group | Other | Other: 10 days of conventional physiotherapy (Hot Pack, TENS, Ultrasound) and 6 weeks of routine knee exercisesThis group will receive 10 days of conventional physiotherapy (Hot Pack, TENS, Ultrasound) and 6 weeks of routine knee exercises. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 45 to 65 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Kellgren-Lawrence 2-3 knee osteoarthritis
- Female patient aged 40-65
- Volunteer
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Having received physical therapy within the last month
- Presence of neurological, cardiac, and respiratory problems
- Less than 90 degrees of flexion in the knee and hip joints
- Presence of any pathology in the lower extremity that may affect balance and function
- History of lower extremity surgery
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| 10 days of conventional physiotherapy (Hot Pack, TENS, Ultrasound) and 6 weeks of routine knee exercisesFor 10 days, conventional physical therapy consisting of Hot Pack, TENS, Ultrasound, and routine knee strengthening exercises was applied in the hospital. These knee exercises were continued for four weeks after the hospital treatment period. | Other | Control Group, Experimental Group |
| Six weeks of core stabilization exercises.For six weeks, Warner et al. A core stabilization exercise protocol, as defined by was provided. This protocol included neutral spine position in hook position, activation of deep abdominal muscles, supine bridge, ipsilateral and contralateral limb movements in hook position, abdominal curl (sit-up), bridge (double and single leg), plank on knees, side plank on knees, clam exercise (without resistance), and modified 100 exercises. The exercises were performed 3 days a week, with 10 repetitions each. | Other | Experimental Group |
Primary outcome
Sit Ups
Time frame: Baseline-6 weeks follow-up
Participants are positioned supine with knees flexed and hands crossed over their shoulders. Their feet are held in place by the researcher, and the individual is asked to perform trunk flexion. The number of repetitions completed within 30 seconds is recorded.
Modified Push-Up
Time frame: Baseline-6 weeks follow-up
Participants lie face down on an exercise mat with their knees flexed. They are asked to lift their head, torso, and hips off the ground, placing their hands on the floor and extending their elbows, so that they form a straight line. The number of complete repetitions the participant performs while maintaining this straight line within 30 seconds is recorded.
Core Endurance Tests
Time frame: Baseline-6 weeks follow-up
Core endurance is determined by core endurance tests (right and left lateral bridge test, trunk extension test, trunk flexion test), as defined by McGgill, and the prone bridge test.
3 secondary outcomes
30-Second Sit-Stand Test
Time frame: Baseline-6 weeks follow-up
Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)
Time frame: Baseline-6 weeks follow-up
Single Leg Balance Test
Time frame: Baseline-6 weeks follow-up
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 19 Mar 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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A Study to Learn About Study Medicine Called Berobenatide in Adults With Knee Pain and Overweight or Obesity (VESPER-OA 1)
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Selvin Balki study chair
Cumhuriyet University
Eda Yıldırım principal investigator
Cumhuriyet University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing 10 days of conventional physiotherapy (Hot Pack, TENS, Ultrasound) and 6 weeks of routine knee exercises and Six weeks of core stabilization exercises. in people with Knee Osteoarthritis (Knee OA), run by Cumhuriyet University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 19 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Selvin Balki, Associate Professor, Ph.D. (+90 346 4870000 ext. 2652, balkipt@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Sit Ups (time frame: Baseline-6 weeks follow-up). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 19 Mar 2026.