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Baduanjin and Neuromodulation for Knee Osteoarthritis

This study is looking into how Baduanjin (BDJ), a mind-body exercise, combined with tDCS (a brain stimulation method), might help people with knee osteoarthritis. Researchers want to understand the brain changes that happen with these exercises. You might be able to join if you are 45-75 years old, have knee osteoarthritis for at least three months, and can participate in BDJ and stretching programs. The main goal is to see how brain activity (resting state functional connectivity) changes after 12 weeks of treatment. The current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll 140 participants. It will compare the effects of BDJ, tDCS, sham tDCS, and exercise.
What's involved
You would participate in a 12-week study involving BDJ and stretching programs, and undergo MRI scans.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Brain activity will be measured at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05839535

Enhancing Modulation Effects of Baduanjin Through Neuromodulation for Knee OA

Recruiting
PHASE2Ages 45–75Interventional
Massachusetts General Hospital
~140 participants
Updated 2026-07-17 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:BDJtDCSsham tDCSexercise

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
M1 resting state functional connectivity
Measured over Baseline, post-treatment (12 weeks)

Conditions

Knee Osteoarthritis

Explore related trials

Osteoarthritis of knee

NCT05839535

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    Charlestown, Massachusettsstudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Who to contact

Jian Kong
[email protected]
617-7267893
Email the study team

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Volunteers 45-75 years of age
Meet the Classification Criteria of the American College of Rheumatology for osteoarthritis of the right and/or left knee for at least the past 3 months;
Physically able to participate in the BDJ and stretching control education programs
Willing to complete the 12-week study
Can participate in MRI scan
Ability to read and understand English; English can be a second language provided that the patient feels he or she can understand all the questions used in the assessment measures

Exclusion

Has performed BDJ, Tai Chi, Yoga, other mind-body intervention, physical therapy, or routine exercise (running, cycling, etc.) regularly in the past year
Serious medical conditions limiting ability of patient to participate in the study, such as symptomatic cardiovascular disease, symptomatic pulmonary disease requiring supplemental oxygen, uncontrolled metabolic diseases, severe renal and liver disease
Has had intra-articular steroid injections or reconstructive surgery in the prior 3 months on the affected knee; any intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections in the previous 6 months
Patient Mini-Mental Status Examination score below 24 \[293\]
Unable to walk without a cane or other assistive device
The intent to undergo surgery during the time of involvement in the study
Plan to permanently relocate from the region during the trial period

What this trial measures

  • M1 resting state functional connectivityBaseline, post-treatment (12 weeks)

    Changes in brain resting-state connectivity between the primary motor cortex (M1) and other brain regions pre- and post-treatments, analyzed using the CONN Toolbox (https://web.conn-toolbox.org/)