Breathing exercises combined with physical therapy for knee arthritis

This study is testing a new approach called intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia therapy (IHHT) paired with conventional physical therapy for people with knee osteoarthritis. IHHT involves breathing air with different oxygen levels—alternating between lower oxygen (similar to high altitude) and higher oxygen—to see if it reduces pain and improves how well your knee works. You'd receive this treatment combined with standard exercises that physical therapists use.

Knee arthritis is very common, especially as people age, and current treatments often only manage symptoms without fully solving the problem. Researchers want to know if this new breathing therapy, when combined with exercise, might offer better relief—especially in areas where cost and access to care are concerns.