The current study is a single-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial involving 18 participants with knee osteoarthritis. The trial will compare a program of two-bar knee off-load brace combined with non-weight bearing strength training with a program of standard knee off-loader brace combined with non-weight bearing strength training. Interventions will be delivered three times per week for six weeks. The primary outcomes are pain, stiffness, and patient satisfaction. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and after six weeks. The trial will be carried out at Water and Power Development Authority Hospital Complex and Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore. The hypothesis is that the two-bar knee off-load brace combined with non-weight bearing strength training will result in greater reductions in pain and stiffness as well as improved patient satisfaction compared with the standard knee off-loader brace with non-weight bearing strength training.
Age between 45-60 years
Have a confirmed diagnosis of KOA of grade II to III according to Kellgren and Lawrence classification
Participants must have had no changes in pharmacological treatment and not received any intra-articular knee injection (glucocorticosteroids with analgesics) during the last three months
Patient must be able to understand instructions and complete self-reported questionnaires
Participants will be excluded if they have severe venous insufficiency
Acute inflammatory knee conditions (septic arthritis, gout, pseudogout)
Systemic disease (rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia)
Traumatic onset of knee pain