Running volume increase: Participants will receive a 6-month running program focusing on gradual increases in weekly running volume (no more than 5% per week, on average). For the purpose of this study, there will be no specific instructions on 'how' to run; rather, participants will simply be instructed on 'how much' to run.
Study summary
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating disease affecting millions worldwide. Exercise is a core treatment for knee OA, and is advocated by all clinical guidelines. Running is a common exercise that is accessible and evokes a number of positive physical and psychological benefits. However, the appropriateness of recreational running in the presence of knee OA is unclear.
A growing literature base appears to suggest that running may not be deleterious to the health - especially at the knee joint - of people with knee OA. Our recent research has focused on examining a number of health outcomes relevant to knee OA in older individuals with knee OA, but has been limited to experienced runners. This study will address that limitation by focusing on how novice (new) runners respond to a new running program.
Eligibility
Sex
ALL
Min age
35 Years
Max age
—
Healthy volunteers
Accepted
Inclusion criteria (all):
* have been running consistently for no more than six months at time of enrolment, with a cumulative weekly volume of less than 5 kilometres OR have yet to take up recreational running consistently
* are comfortable running and walking on a treadmill for at least 30 minutes
Inclusion criteria (knee osteoarthritis (OA) group):
* have definitive knee OA as diagnosed using x-rays
* report having experienced frequent knee pain over the past 3 months
Inclusion criteria (Control group):
* have no evidence of knee OA based on x-rays
* have had pain-free knees for at least the past 3 months
Exclusion Criteria (all):
* have an inflammatory arthritic condition (e.g. gout or rheumatoid arthritis)
* have a presence of any health condition (other than OA in the knee OA group) affecting normal movement or that precludes engaging in moderate to high impact activities such as running
Additionally, exclusion criteria based on MRI safety:
* cannot safely fit into the MRI scanner
* presence of metallic implants (including pace makers, brain aneurysm clips, stents, cochlear implants, artificial heart valves, and prostheses)
* recent surgery or tattoos within the past 6 weeks
* current or possible pregnancy
* electrical stimulator for nerves or bones
* infusion pumps
* shrapnel or other metallic fragments
* non-removable metallic jewellry
Primary outcome measure(s)
T2 relaxation time - medial tibia — Baseline and 6 months Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee cartilage will be used to measure the exponential decay/dephasing of transverse magnetization of protons, known as T2 relaxation time (measured in milliseconds). Cartilage will be segmented into a number of regions of interest, with relaxation times calculated separately for each region of interest.
T2 relaxation time - medial femur — Baseline and 6 months Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee cartilage will be used to measure the exponential decay/dephasing of transverse magnetization of protons, known as T2 relaxation time (measured in milliseconds). Cartilage will be segmented into a number of regions of interest, with relaxation times calculated separately for each region of interest.
T2 relaxation time - patella — Baseline and 6 months Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee cartilage will be used to measure the exponential decay/dephasing of transverse magnetization of protons, known as T2 relaxation time (measured in milliseconds). Cartilage will be segmented into a number of regions of interest, with relaxation times calculated separately for each region of interest.
Trial sites (1)
Facility
City
Region
Status
Motion Analysis and Biofeedback Laboratory, The University of British Columbia
Vancouver
British Columbia
More University of British Columbia trials in Canada
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
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