Background Neuromuscular and quadriceps exercises have been shown to be effective approaches to relieve pain and to improve function for patients with knee osteoarthritis. In this study, we aim to provide an informative feasible model in which therapeutic exercise and education will be undertaken with physiotherapy supervision and instruction via video link. We also aim to explore the relationship between program-induced pain alleviation/functional improvements and reduction in irritability, which might be mediated through program-induced psychosocial benefits. Methods In this proposed two-parallel group (neuromuscular exercise versus quadriceps exercise), single-blinded, randomised controlled trial, participants aged ≥50 years with osteoarthritic knee pain will undergo a 12-week intervention, comprising video-linked education, supervised exercises, and a 12-week follow-up. Seven measurements will be taken to collect longitudinal data. A generalised estimating equation will be used to establish the adjusted difference in effectiveness on pain, function, irritability, and psychosocial outcomes between participants undertaking neuromuscular exercises and those undertaking quadriceps exercises. The primary outcomes are overall average pain in the knee joint during walking, as assessed through the 11-point Numerical Pain Rating Scale, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index physical function subscale. Furthermore, pressure pain threshold and changes in self-report pain scores pre-, during, and post-exercise were also measured as an indication of irritability. In addition, both the 6-min walk test and a timed up & go test were used to assess walking function performance. Finally, patients’ emotions (e.g., fear and catastrophising), self-trust, needs in terms of disease knowledge, mental resilience, social support and health-related quality of life were investigated. Two four-wave cross-lagged models will be used to investigate directional relationships, aiming to investigate the complex mechanisms concerning the effects of exercise programmes. Discussion Through summarising the study’s strengths and limitations, this study may provide promising insights in terms of exercise therapy optimisation for people with knee osteoarthritis and/or other chronic pain within a psychosocial framework. Trial registration ChiCTR2100041978 (chictr.org.cn), January 10, 2021.

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The black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), native to eastern Asian, is a large, commercially valuable fish, and has been widely introduced to other countries. In this study, the mitochondrial gene sequence of gray black carp (M. piceus MT084757) in Foshan, Guangdong Province was first determined using the Sanger sequencing method. The mitochondrial DNA genome was 16,616 bp in length, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two rRNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and a non-coding control region (D-loop). The overall nucleotide composition of the mitochondrial DNA is 32.04% A, 24.52% T, 15.68% C, 27.76% G, with 56.56% AT, respectively. Phylogenetic tree analysis suggests that the gray black carp (M. piceus MT 084757) is closely related to Elopichthys bambus and Squaliobarbus curriculus. The complete mitochondrial genome of the gray black carp (M. piceus MT 084757) would be useful for researching the causes of changes in body color.