Joint Pain (Arthralgia)

Researchers are evaluating the effects of high-intensity pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (HI-PEMF) in older adults with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis (OA). This randomized, double-blind clinical trial compares two treatment methods: HI-PEMF applied only to the knee joint versus HI-PEMF applied both to the knee and the quadriceps muscles. The study aims to understand pain reduction and improvement in functional performance in this population, addressing common issues such as muscle weakness and frailty associated with knee OA. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group A will receive HI-PEMF therapy focused exclusively on the symptomatic knee for 10 minutes per session, twice weekly for 5 weeks, totaling 9 sessions. Group B will receive HI-PEMF therapy applied to both the knee and the quadriceps muscle, with each site treated for 10 minutes per session under the same schedule. Both groups will also follow a standardized, home-based exercise program involving five specific strengthening and mobility exercises performed three times per week during the 5-week treatment period. The BTL-6000 Super Inductive System device is used for all HI-PEMF treatments. During the study, participants will be assessed at the start, after the 5-week intervention, and at a 2-month follow-up. Researchers will measure changes in pain using the Numeric Analog Scale (NAS), functional mobility through the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and lower-limb strength with the 5-times Sit-to-Stand (5STS) test. Additional evaluations include monitoring paracetamol use, frailty, sarcopenia, and radiological OA grade. Adherence to treatment sessions and exercises will be closely followed, and safety monitored throughout the study, which lasts a total of about three months including follow-up.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of Mulligan Mobilization Technique compared to proprioceptive exercises for treating adults aged 40 and above with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, classified as Grades 2 and 3 on the Kellgren and Lawrence scale. The study aims to assess these treatments over a 10-week period, focusing on pain levels, movement, functional activities, balance, and quality of life improvements. Participants are selected based on clinical diagnosis and mobility ability without assistive devices. The study involves three groups: one receiving proprioceptive exercises designed to improve balance and joint position sense, another receiving Mulligan Mobilization Technique, a manual therapy to improve joint mobility, and a control group undergoing traditional physical therapy. Each participant receives 30 treatment sessions over 10 weeks, with three sessions per week lasting 40 to 60 minutes each. Treatments are delivered by trained physical therapists, and assessments occur at the start and end of the treatment period. Participants will complete questionnaires and undergo evaluations measuring pain intensity, range of motion, functional status, and balance using tools like the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Universal Goniometer, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and Berg Balance Scale. Quality of life is also assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. The study follows a double-blind, randomized design to ensure unbiased results. Confidentiality is maintained, and participants may withdraw at any time without penalty.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative and inflammatory joint disease causing pain and limited mobility, affecting millions worldwide. This research evaluates the clinical results of treating patients with knee OA and chronic pain that has not improved after at least three months of conventional conservative therapy. The study focuses on selective arterial embolization as a treatment option for patients who are not candidates for or refuse surgery and suffer from refractory chronic pain. The treatment involves transarterial microembolization, which selectively targets and blocks blood vessels causing inflammation in the knee. This procedure uses micro-catheters to inject embolizing material into pathological genicular arterial branches, followed by diagnostic arteriography to confirm successful embolization. The study includes 43 patients who will undergo this procedure after providing informed consent. Patients will be followed up with clinical evaluations at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment or until they drop out for other reasons. Participants will be involved in regular clinical assessments to monitor pain levels using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and other measures like quality of life (SF-36), joint function (WOMAC score), range of motion, and overall treatment assessment over two years. Researchers will also measure bilateral knee circumferences to evaluate changes. The study aims to understand the treatment's impact on pain reduction and joint function over time, with ongoing safety and progress monitoring throughout the follow-up period.

Researchers are conducting the 100-Year Human Aging Study, an observational trial designed to follow participants over their lifespans to investigate which health measurements can predict mortality, serious diseases, and functional disability. The study aims to validate many longevity measures that currently lack prospective evidence by tracking physiological, cognitive, social, and environmental factors that change with aging. This research will generate important data to improve understanding of aging and longevity medicine. Participants undergo comprehensive multi-system clinical screenings including tests like cardiopulmonary exercise testing, body composition assessment by DEXA, echocardiography, electrocardiography, spirometry, neurocognitive testing, sensory assessments, metabolic testing, and detailed medical and social histories. The study allows for different levels of participation, from single tests to full two-visit screening batteries, and encourages repeat testing to capture health changes over time. During the study, participants receive individualized reports including investigational estimates of biological age and predicted cause of death. Researchers collect data on mortality, serious health events, chronic diseases, functional ability, and lifestyle changes through periodic follow-up over many years, potentially up to 100 years. This extensive data collection helps evaluate how well these measurements predict aging outcomes. All data are stored in raw form for future analysis and participants are supported with ongoing contact and opportunities for repeat assessments.

Researchers are evaluating the use of Synolis VA 80/160, a device containing hyaluronic acid and sorbitol, in adults with hip osteoarthritis. This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of this treatment over a 6-month period in patients experiencing symptoms related to this condition who have not responded well to standard pain relief treatments. The study is conducted independently across multiple centers. Participants will receive a single guided injection of Synolis VA 80/160 directly into the affected hip joint. The study monitors changes in hip function and pain using the Oxford Hip Score at various points including 3 and 6 months after injection. Additional evaluations include patient self-assessments of symptom evolution and tracking whether participants require hip prosthesis placement within 6 months. During the study, participants will undergo assessments at baseline and follow-up visits where their hip function and symptoms are measured using standard questionnaires. The main outcome is the evolution of the Oxford Hip Score after 6 months. Researchers will also monitor safety and any need for hip replacement surgery. Participants will be involved for the full 6-month study duration, with data collected to understand both short-term and longer-term effects of the treatment.

Researchers are evaluating the analgesic effect and safety of a mixed reality (MR) based cognitive distraction focus relaxation therapy for patients diagnosed with chronic moderate to severe pain. This multicenter, prospective, single-blind, randomized, and parallel controlled trial aims to assess the impact of a digital chronic pain treatment system using MR technology as part of basic clinical care for chronic pain patients. Participants are assigned to one of two groups: the pain key group receiving mixed reality pain treatment software with MR-based pain scenarios, or a control group exposed to the same content displayed on a 2D TV screen. The study compares these approaches to understand the role of MR technology in managing chronic pain. During the study, participants will be monitored using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to measure pain levels over three days. Researchers will collect data on pain intensity and safety outcomes while participants follow the treatment protocols. The trial runs from October 2023 to June 2025, involving adults aged 18 to 85 years with chronic pain lasting more than three months.

Researchers are evaluating BBM-A101, an AAV-based gene therapy, to treat people with moderate knee osteoarthritis. The study aims to assess the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of this treatment. It is a Phase 1 clinical study with two parts: Phase Ia, which is randomized and single-blind, and Phase Ib, which is randomized and double-blind with parallel groups. Participants receive a single 2 ml injection of BBM-A101 directly into the knee joint. In Phase Ia, there are low, middle, and high dose groups along with a placebo group. In Phase Ib, participants are assigned to either low or high dose groups or a placebo group. The study compares these groups to evaluate the treatment effects and safety. During the study, participants undergo regular assessments including monitoring of adverse events and serious adverse events for up to one year. Researchers will also measure gene expression protein levels, virus shedding in various bodily fluids, changes in knee joint space by X-ray, and antibody responses over a period of up to five years. Participants are followed closely with lab tests, imaging, and clinical evaluations to track outcomes and safety throughout the study duration.

Researchers are investigating treatments for temporomandibular disorders (TMD), which are increasingly common and affect jaw function and cause pain. This study aims to evaluate whether combining manual therapy with vagus nerve stimulation, a nerve linked to pain and jaw function, offers better relief and improved quality of life than manual therapy alone. The study involves 20 participants diagnosed with myogenic TMD, focusing on pain, jaw movement, and distress. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving manual therapy combined with vagus nerve stimulation and the other receiving only manual therapy. Both groups undergo four physiotherapy sessions, one per week over a month, and are trained to continue treatment exercises at home over two months. The manual therapy includes joint manipulation and soft tissue techniques for the jaw. Throughout the study, an independent evaluator will assess participants monthly using questionnaires to measure chronic pain, jaw function, physical symptoms, range of motion, and distress. The main outcomes are changes in health status and chronic pain after two months. This double-blind, randomized study ensures unbiased results by keeping evaluators unaware of group assignments. Participant involvement spans two months of treatment and assessments.

Researchers are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of an intra-articular injectable filler called ALLOHEAL in patients with knee osteoarthritis. This trial aims to show that ALLOHEAL is not less effective than the control device, Conjuran®, in reducing joint pain caused by mechanical friction. The trial focuses on adults aged 40 to 80 years who have been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis and experience significant knee pain. Participants will receive injections of either ALLOHEAL or the active comparator Conjuran® directly into the knee joint. The study includes a follow-up period of 24 weeks to assess both the safety and pain-relief effects of the treatments. Evaluations will take place at 6, 10, 16, and 24 weeks after the initial injection, with the primary endpoint being the change in knee pain measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 16 weeks. During the study, participants will undergo clinical assessments including pain evaluations using the VAS scale. Safety data related to the components of ALLOHEAL, including sodium polynucleotide, chitosan, and type I collagen, will be collected throughout the 24-week period. Participants will need to attend scheduled visits for these assessments and comply with study procedures. The total participation time spans approximately six months.

Researchers are evaluating different rehabilitation methods following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in adults aged 18 and older who are patients at hip/knee clinics and scheduled for unilateral primary TKA. The study aims to compare the current standard outpatient physical therapy with a new wearable smart knee brace (FM2 Knee Brace) to see if the brace is a noninferior alternative for recovery after TKA. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first group will follow a routine six-week outpatient physical therapy program, starting as soon as possible after hospital discharge and excluding pool exercises. The second group will use the FM2 Knee Brace device, which is set up at the pre-operative visit, and complete 3-4 prescribed exercises at their own pace over six weeks. Both groups will be monitored during the study. Participants will be assessed before surgery and at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year after surgery. Measurements will include knee flexion, extension, and total arc of motion. Additional data collected will include patient-reported outcomes, therapy adherence, and any complications. The study will last through these follow-up visits to track recovery progress and compare the two rehabilitation approaches.