Gait Retraining for Knee Osteoarthritis

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byMichael A Hunt, PT, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of British Columbia

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Tibiofemoral osteoarthritis (TFOA) is highly prevalent in older adults, and often causes symptoms and functional limitations. Physical activity is widely advocated in people with TFOA, and running is an easy and accessible activity that provides many benefits on general health. However, running induces high knee loads, which could potentially contribute to symptoms of runners with TFOA. Previous studies have suggested that running gait modifications can help in decreasing symptoms and knee loading in runners with knee conditions. Yet, no study has been conducted in runners with TFOA. This intervention study will investigate the effects of a 4-week running gait retraining program on symptoms and running biomechanics in runners with TFOA. We hypothesize that running modifications will decrease symptoms, improve function and reduce knee loading.

Research Team

Michael A Hunt, PT, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of British Columbia

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adult runners who have mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, run at least 10 km weekly for over six months, can comfortably run on a treadmill for 30 minutes, and experience knee pain most days. It's not suitable for non-English speakers, those with recent serious knee injuries or certain medications, heart conditions that make running unsafe, or other leg issues affecting running.

Inclusion Criteria

I have experienced knee pain of at least 3 out of 10 nearly every day last month.

My arthritis is mild to moderate according to the Kellgren and Lawrence scale.

You have been consistently running for at least 6 months, covering a distance of 10 kilometers every week.

See 1 more

Exclusion Criteria

I haven't used any corticosteroids or viscosupplementation in the last 6 months.

I do not speak English.

I have heart or lung conditions that prevent me from safely doing moderate running.

See 4 more

Treatment Details

Interventions

Gait retraining (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial OverviewThe study tests a 4-week program designed to change how people with knee osteoarthritis run (gait retraining). The goal is to see if these changes can reduce their symptoms like pain and improve their ability to function without putting too much stress on the knees.

Participant Groups

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Gait retrainingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Runners will be taught how to modify their running gait through multiple laboratory sessions and in-field training.