Determining the Effectiveness of a New Phototherapy Treatment for the Knee Osteoarthritis

Summary

Light therapy (phototherapy) has previously been shown to help reduce pain for people with musculoskeletal pain conditions, such as knee osteoarthritis (OA). A new phototherapy has been developed that allows for customizing the intensity of light based on patient characteristics, such as the patient size and skin type. This new phototherapy approach needs to be evaluated to determine its effects. This study has been planned to determine how effective the new phototherapy is, but first it needs to be determined whether the study plans are feasible. This study will determine the feasibility of the full study by pilot testing the methods for the full trial with a group of 20 people with knee osteoarthritis. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive the new phototherapy approach or a placebo phototherapy twice/week for four weeks. Pain and function will be measured over the four week treatment period and 12-weeks follow-up.

Conditions

• Osteoarthritis, Knee

Interventions

DEVICE

High Intensity Physio Light Therapy (HIPL Therapy™)

HIPL Therapy™ is an advanced phototherapy method that utilizes an emission wavelength spectrum that has been optimized for treatment of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) such as OA.

BEHAVIORAL

Education

Participants will take part in education on osteoarthritis, pain neurophysiology, and self-management strategies with the treating physiotherapist. The education will take place during the lab visits and will be brief (5-10 minutes at each session).

BEHAVIORAL

Aerobic Exercise

Participants will develop an individualized walking program. The goal will be to walk 30 minutes 5 times/week if able. For all participants who are unable to achieve this walking, they will be provided with a progressive walking program that starts at their baseline (the distance they can walk without being sore an hour later; and without feeling like they will be unable to perform their usual activities of daily living because of the walk). They will be encouraged to then progress by 10-20% each week. Participants will be asked to use a provided walking log to keep track of their progress.

BEHAVIORAL

Resistance Exercise

Participants will also be instructed how to perform a series of six exercises: squat, step-up, lunge, single leg stance, knee flexion/extension, and resisted hamstring curl. The exercise technique and dosage will be tailored to the individual's current abilities. For example, if someone is unable to squat down to the level of a chair and return to standing, the chair height will be raised until the participant is able to perform the activity. The participants will begin by being asked to complete one set of 8-12 repetitions of each exercise, once daily, then progress to two or three sets daily as able. They will perform the exercises twice/week in the lab where they will receive support for problem solving and progression. Participants will be asked to use a provided exercise log to keep track of their progress.

DEVICE

Placebo Physio Light Therapy (HIPL Therapy™)

Phototherapy delivered at an intensity of 5 mW/cm2, a dosage at which there is no therapeutic benefit expected, but the light will still be visible to the participant.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Invitalize

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Jordan Miller, PT, PhD

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

QUADRUPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2018-11-08

Primary Completion

2018-12-21

Completion

2019-03-19

Countries

• Canada

Study Locations