Intra-articular Injection with Strengthening Exercise and Physiotherapy for Knee Osteoarthritis v1

This randomized controlled, single-blind trial will compare the effectiveness of a 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide intra-articular injection combined with strengthening exercises versus conventional physiotherapy in adults aged 40–70 years with knee osteoarthritis. Sixty participants will be randomly assigned to either the injection-plus-exercise group or the physiotherapy-only group, receiving three sessions per week for eight weeks. Pain will be the primary outcome, measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), secondary outcomes—physical function, joint range of motion, lower-limb strength, and mobility—will be evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), goniometer, 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test, and Timed Up and Go Test. The study is expected to show greater improvements in pain relief, mobility, range of motion, and muscle strength in the injection-plus-exercise group compared to physiotherapy alone. These findings may support more effective, evidence-based treatment strategies for knee osteoarthritis in clinicalpractice.