Actively Recruiting
Effect of Light Therapy on Pain and Synovitis in Patients With Knee Synovitis: Randomized Controlled Trial
Led by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · Updated on 2025-11-26
80
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Knee pain is a common issue among middle-aged and older adults, often linked to synovitis, a condition present in up to 80% of those with moderate knee pain. Researchers are evaluating whether 810 nm light therapy can reduce knee pain and synovitis in people with chronic knee pain. This randomized, placebo-controlled trial aims to build on prior animal studies that showed this specific light wavelength helped reduce inflammation and pain-like symptoms. The trial involves 90 participants with chronic knee pain and ultrasound-confirmed synovitis. They will be randomly assigned to receive either 810 nm light therapy or a sham (placebo) therapy using a wearable device. Treatments are given twice weekly for five weeks. The study compares knee pain using the Visual Analogue Scale and synovitis assessed by ultrasound. Secondary measures include knee function tests and walking speed. Assessments occur at baseline, after treatment at week 5, and at 1 month and 6 months post-treatment. During the study, participants will have regular evaluations including pain scales, ultrasound scans, physical function tests, and questionnaires. Researchers will monitor adverse events throughout the treatment and follow-up periods. Outcomes focus on changes in knee pain and synovitis over time to assess the therapy's effects. The total participation includes the 5-week treatment plus 6 months of follow-up to track lasting effects and safety.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Light Therapy on Pain and Synovitis
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Participants aged between 40 and 80 years
- Able to provide written informed consent
- Experienced knee pain lasting or recurring for more than 3 months
- Knee pain score of at least 30 mm on the 100-mm Visual Analogue Scale in the past week
- Ultrasound-detected knee synovitis grade of 1 or higher
- Diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis according to American College of Rheumatology criteria
You will not qualify if you...
- Expected need for knee surgery within the next year
- Previous or planned knee replacement surgery within the next year
- Knee surgery or physical therapy received in the past 3 months
- Use of corticosteroids (intra-articular, intramuscular, or oral) within the past 4 weeks
- Presence of malignant tumors or other life-threatening diseases
- Severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder that affect study compliance or consent
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - 5 weeks
Participants receive either 810 nm light therapy or sham therapy using a wearable device, twice per week for 5 weeks.
Twice weekly visits for 5 weeks
Duration - 6 months
Participants are monitored for knee pain, knee synovitis, lower limb function, walking speed, and adverse events up to 6 months after treatment.
Visits at 1 month and 6 months post-treatment
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Buji Community Service Center, Longgang District
Shenzhen, China
Actively Recruiting
2
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Not Yet Recruiting
Research Team
T
Tianxiang Fan, PhD candidate
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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