Single-Dose Hybrid Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Chondroitin with Rehabilitation for Sports Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT06890247

University of Palermo100 enrolled

Overview

: This observational case-control study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a single-dose intra-articular injection of a hybrid purified hyaluronic acid with high molecular weight and sodium chondroitin of biotechnological origin, combined with rehabilitation treatment, in sports adults with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis. Additionally, the study incorporates isokinetic testing to assess muscle strength and functional capacity. The primary objective is to determine whether this combined treatment improves pain relief, functional capacity, and overall quality of life compared to rehabilitation treatment alone. Participants aged 18 to 50 years, diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, will be recruited from clinics at the U.O.C. of Recovery and Functional Rehabilitation at A.O.U.P. P. Giaccone in Palermo. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving the hybrid hyaluronic acid and sodium chondroitin injection along with rehabilitation, and the other receiving only rehabilitation. The study will also utilize isokinetic testing to provide objective measurements of muscle strength and endurance.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

100

Conditions

Osteoarthritis, Knee

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 50 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged between 18 and 50 years. * Radiologically confirmed diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≤3), present for at least 6 months. * Persistent moderate to severe pain due to osteoarthritis, interfering with physical performance. * Documented reduction in sports performance (use appropriate scales or tests to validate this). * Lack of response to pharmacological or other conservative treatments. * Willingness to provide written informed consent for participation. Exclusion Criteria: * Coexisting rheumatic diseases. * History of intra-articular viscosupplementation in the target knee within the previous 6 months. * Presence of significant venous or lymphatic stasis. * Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m². * Use of systemic or intra-articular corticosteroids in the target knee within the last 3 months. * Chronic use of topical/systemic analgesics, NSAIDs, or narcotics. * History of alcohol or drug abuse. * Allergy or hypersensitivity to hyaluronic acid or any of its components. * Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those not using adequate contraception.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change from Baseline in Pain Levels Assessed by the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) at 90 Days

The primary outcome will assess the change in pain intensity using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). This scale ranges from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 represents the worst possible pain. Pain intensity will be measured at baseline (T0) and at 90 days (T3) following the intervention. The change in NRS scores between these time points will quantify the treatment's effectiveness in reducing knee pain among study participants. Participants with a clinically meaningful reduction in pain (defined as a decrease of at least 2 points on the NRS) will be considered responders.

Time frame: From baseline (T0) to 90 days (T3) post-intervention

Secondary Outcomes

Change from Baseline in Functional Capacity Assessed by Lequesne Index at 30 and 90 Days

Evaluation of changes in the Lequesne Index, a validated tool that measures functional disability in knee osteoarthritis patients. The index assesses pain, maximum walking distance, and daily activities. Scores range from 0 (no disability) to a maximum score indicating severe disability. Higher scores denote worse functional impairment. Measurements will be recorded at baseline (T0), 30 days (T2), and 90 days (T3).

Time frame: Baseline (T0), 30 days (T2), and 90 days (T3).

Change from Baseline in Quality of Life Assessed by SF-12 Questionnaire

Assessment of changes in quality of life using the SF-12 Health Survey, which evaluates both physical and mental health components. The SF-12 generates composite scores for these domains, with higher scores indicating better quality of life. Measurements will be taken at Baseline (T0) and compared to 90 days (T3) post-intervention to assess the impact of the treatment.

Time frame: Baseline (T0) and 90 days (T3).

Change from Baseline in Muscle Strength Evaluated with Isokinetic Testing

Measurement of muscle strength parameters, including peak torque, endurance, and total work of the knee flexor and extensor muscles, using isokinetic dynamometry. Testing will be performed at three angular velocities (0°, 60°, and 120°/sec). Data collected at Baseline (T0) will be compared to follow-up measurements at 90 days (T3) to evaluate the functional improvement in muscle performance.