Gentle Movement Exercises for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain Relief

Plain-English translation of NCT06875817 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated March 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing Feldenkrais exercises—a gentle, body-awareness method of movement—to see if it can reduce pain, improve how far you can bend your knee, and help you move more easily when you have knee osteoarthritis. The study will compare Feldenkrais exercises to standard physical therapy treatments. Researchers want to find out whether this gentler approach might work as well as, or better than, traditional therapy.

Knee osteoarthritis is very common and causes significant pain and disability, especially as people age. While medications and surgery can help, they often come with side effects, high costs, or don't work well long-term. This trial explores whether this gentler, non-invasive movement method could offer people a safe, affordable alternative.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 40 and 60 years old
you have been diagnosed with moderate knee osteoarthritis (Grade 2 or 3) confirmed by X-ray
you have experienced knee pain rated 6 or higher on a pain scale for at least 3 months
you are able to walk for 6 minutes and rise from the floor without assistance
you are a man or woman in general good health without serious conditions like heart disease, cancer, or tuberculosis

You likely don't qualify if…

you have serious medical conditions such as tuberculosis, cancer, heart disease, or osteoporosis
you have had knee surgery within the past year or have a recent knee injury or infection
you are currently taking steroids, chemotherapy, blood thinners, or receiving radiation therapy
you have a history of depression, phobia, or other psychiatric conditions, or severe memory problems
you are already enrolled in another physical therapy program

What participation looks like

You will attend two 30-minute exercise sessions per week for 4 weeks. If you're in the Feldenkrais group, you'll learn and practice gentle movement exercises like pelvic clock movements, knee rolling, and leg slides. If you're in the standard physical therapy group, you'll receive typical treatments such as quadriceps strengthening exercises, knee mobilization, and electrical nerve stimulation therapy. Before, during, and after the trial, your knee pain, range of motion, and ability to function will be measured.

Gentle Movement Exercises for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain Relief

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)