RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07507175

Gastrocnemius Myofascial Release in Females With Knee Osteoarthritis

Effect of Gastrocnemius Myofascial Release on Pain and Physical Function Outcomes in Females With Knee Osteoarthritis

Sponsor

Cairo University

Enrollment

30 participants

Start Date

Jan 3, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Knee Osteoarthritis

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether gastrocnemius myofascial release is effective in reducing pain and improving physical function in females with knee osteoarthritis. The main question this study aims to answer are: * Does adding gastrocnemius MFR to conventional physical therapy treatment influence pain, physical function, foot posture, and knee disability compared to conventional physical therapy treatment and sham MFR in knee osteoarthritis? * Participants receive gastrocnemius myofascial release treatment or sham gastrocnemius myofascial release treatment for 3 times weekly for 4 weeks for both groups.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin Age: 45 YearsMax Age: 55 Years

Inclusion Criteria14

Patients' ages ranged between 45 and 55 years .
BMI ≤35
Patients with a diagnosis of primary KOA according to the American College of Rheumatology classification at the screening visit .
Onset of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis of ≥3 months
Patients with grade II and III OA of the Kellgren and Lawrence system for classification of osteoarthritis .
At least one active trigger point in GM
If both knees were diagnosed as OA, the most affected one was selected.
Current pain intensity on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) ≥4/10.
Subjects have sufficient cognition that enables them to understand the requirements of the study, comply with the study procedures, and visit schedule.
Diagnostic Criteria of KOA
A diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis was made when knee pain is present, plus Osteophytes on radiographs, plus at least 1 of the following 3:
Age \> 50 years
Morning stiffness \< 30 minutes
Crepitus on active motion

Exclusion Criteria10

Patients with any previous knee surgeries or lower limb fractures.
Chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Signs of moderately significant knee synovitis include a warm and swollen (red) knee
History and/or physical examination findings compatible with knee internal derangement (e.g, positive Thessaly test).
Pregnancy
Patients who had undergone arthroscopy or treatment with intra-articular hyaluronic acid during the previous 6 months .
Use of NSAIDs one week before the screening visit .
Orthopedic diseases, or congenital musculoskeletal deformities, or neurological disorders that may affect or interfere with the therapeutic effect.
Participated in other intervention studies (strength training program or physiotherapy treatment for knee osteoarthritis) in the current period and the past 6 months .
Habitual use of psychotropic or narcotic analgesics for ≥1 week within 8 weeks prior to screening .

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Interventions

PROCEDUREGASTROCNEMIUS MYOFASCIAL RELEASE

Gastrocnemius MFR Procedures : * Technique 1: With the elbow flexed to 90◦ and take up a contact in the Tendo Achilles. Establish a line of tension in a superior direction. * Technique 2: with the index and middle fingers of each hand to take up a contact on the tendons of the GM at the epicondyles of the femur. Establish a line of tension in an inferior direction. * Technique 3: With the index, middle and ring fingers of each hand to get into the medial and lateral aspects of the calcaneus . The release begins proximally. * (5 minutes× 1 repetition) for the three technique * Gastrocnemius TrP pressure release is repeated for 90 seconds (usually 3 repetitions). * Anterior glide \& Posterior glide (grade IV) * Riding a stationary bike for 5 minutes * Quadriceps set exercise * Terminal knee extension * Step-up exercises for 30 seconds * Lateral Step-up for 30 seconds. * Self-stretching of Hamstring, Rectus femoris ,and Calf muscles. * TENS for 20 minutes

PROCEDUREsham Gastrocnemius MYOFASCIAL RELEASE

Patient position: Prone, with feet off the end of the table to allow for adequate dorsiflexion. Therapist's position:, facing toward the feet while standing at the patient's side, at around mid-thigh level for techniques. Technique: one hand is positioned at the attachments of the GM at the epicondyles of the femur, and the other at the Achilles tendon without applying significant pressure or tissue deformation. Mimic the hand movements of real myofascial release (e.g., slow stroking, superficial gliding) but avoid: Deep pressure, Skin stretch, and Muscle compression. * Anterior glide \& Posterior glide (grade IV) * Riding a stationary bike for 5 minutes * Quadriceps set exercise * Terminal knee extension * Step-up exercises for 30 seconds * Lateral Step-up for 30 seconds. * Self-stretching of Hamstring, Rectus femoris ,and Calf muscles. * TENS for 20 minutes