Effectiveness of Weighted Dangling Exercises Versus Vastus Medialis Oblique Muscle Neuromuscular Stimulation in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

This study is a single-blinded randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate and compare the therapeutic effectiveness Weighted dangling exercises versus vastus medialis oblique muscle neuromuscular electrical stimulation(VMO+NMES) in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The study will recruit 48 participants (accounting for 10% attrition), aged 40-60 years, from University of Lahore Teaching Hospital over a duration of 9 months following synopsis approval. A total sample size of 48 participants (24 per group) has been determined using epitool software, based on theWestern Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) , with a confidence level of 95%, power of 80%, and a 10% attrition allowance. Participants aged 40-60 years, of both genders, with clinically confirmed knee osteoarthritis. Symptoms of unilateral knee pain and crepitus persist for at least 6 months during ascending and descending motion. Radiographic Knee osteoarthritis examination. Exclusion includes recent surgery (within three months) history of hip or knee joint replacement, tibial osteotomy, or those with systemic arthritis, history of trauma such as knee fracture and other with muscular disease of neurological disorders that would affect lower extremity function is excluded. Eligible participants will be enrolled after providing written informed consent and randomized using a computer-generated block randomization method, with allocation concealment ensured through sealed opaque envelopes. Outcome assessors will be blinded to group allocation to minimize assessment bias. The one group will receive weighted dangling exercise. A gravity-assisted flexion-extension movements of the lower legs Ankle cuffs weight worn during the exercise while seated on a high couch with their legs hanging down. Other group receive neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) specifically targeting the vastus medialis oblique (VMO). The NMES parameters are as follows: electrodes were placed above the superomedial border of the patella, oriented at a 55° angle to the vertical. The stimulation frequency set at 50 Hz, with a pulse duration of 250 µs and a duty cycle of 10 seconds ON and 30 seconds OFF. Sessions will be conducted three times weekly for 8 weeks, totaling 24 supervised sessions. Primary and secondary outcome measures include pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale),theWestern Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), muscle strength, assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks post-intervention. Data will be analyzed using SPSS (version 25/27). Descriptive statistics will summarize participant characteristics, while inferential statistics will be applied based on data distribution, with significance determined accordingly. Ethical considerations will strictly adhere to the guidelines of the Institutional Research Ethics Board (IREB), University of Lahore. Participant confidentiality, voluntary participation, right to withdraw, and safety monitoring will be ensured throughout the study. No serious adverse effects are anticipated.