Exercise for Osteoarthritis

Overseen By Gillian Hatfield, PhD

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of the Fraser Valley

Disqualifiers: Severe knee trauma, Neurological, Endocrine, Chronic disease, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 12 weeks

32 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if a 12-week exercise program can improve balance in individuals with knee osteoarthritis, a condition that causes joint pain and stiffness. Participants will attend exercise classes twice a week, focusing on flexibility, strength, and coordination, with adjustable intensity options. The trial seeks individuals with knee osteoarthritis who have been cleared to begin an exercise program. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that may enhance the quality of life for those with knee osteoarthritis.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on exercise for knee osteoarthritis and does not mention medication changes.

What prior data suggests that this exercise program is safe for people with knee osteoarthritis?

Research has shown that exercise programs for knee osteoarthritis are generally safe. A review of studies found no significant safety differences between those who exercised and those who did not, indicating that exercising does not lead to more negative side effects. Another study on app-based exercise programs for osteoarthritis also found them safe and effective. Additionally, an 8-week mindful exercise program proved safe for individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Overall, these findings suggest that exercise programs, like the one in this study, are well-tolerated and safe for people with knee osteoarthritis. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Most treatments for osteoarthritis focus on pain relief through medications like NSAIDs or injections. However, this new exercise program is unique because it emphasizes a non-pharmacological approach, promoting physical activity that can enhance joint function and overall well-being without the side effects of drugs. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it offers a holistic way to manage osteoarthritis symptoms, potentially delaying disease progression and improving quality of life for patients. By encouraging regular, guided exercise, this intervention might not only reduce pain but also increase strength and mobility, offering long-term benefits beyond what conventional treatments provide.

What evidence suggests that this exercise program is effective for improving balance in knee osteoarthritis?

Studies have shown that exercise can greatly help people with knee osteoarthritis by reducing pain, improving joint function, and enhancing overall quality of life. In this trial, participants will engage in a 12-week exercise program. Research indicates that such programs can lead to better balance, improved walking, and less joint stiffness. Different types of exercises, including stretching, strengthening, and coordination, contribute to these benefits. Overall, exercise offers a promising way to manage knee osteoarthritis effectively. ^{1 5 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Gillian Hatfield, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of the Fraser Valley

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults with knee osteoarthritis who can attend two sessions at the University of the Fraser Valley and commit to a 12-week exercise program. The program includes classes twice per week, adaptable to various fitness levels.

Inclusion Criteria

Pass the Get Active Questionnaire to ensure that they are safe to begin an exercise program

I have been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis by a doctor.

Exclusion Criteria

I have active joint inflammation.

I have a condition like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes, or balance issues.

I have vision problems that affect my balance.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants complete a 12-week exercise program designed for adults with osteoarthritis, attending classes twice per week

12 weeks

2 visits (in-person) at the start and end of the program

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Group Exercise Intervention

Trial Overview

The study tests whether a 12-week group exercise program, consisting of flexibility, strength, and coordination exercises, can improve balance in people with knee osteoarthritis. Participants will track their progress through questionnaires and balance tests.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Exercise program Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Twice weekly exercise classes, for 12 weeks

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of the Fraser Valley

Lead Sponsor

Trials

4

Recruited

290+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a randomized controlled trial involving 209 elderly participants (average age 80), a home-based exercise program was found to be generally safe, with 151 adverse events reported, affecting 47% of participants.

Despite the program's safety, 14% of the adverse events were serious, highlighting that high levels of pre-existing morbidity in this population can pose challenges to maintaining consistent exercise participation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse events in mobility-limited and chronically ill elderly adults participating in an exercise intervention study supported by general practitioner practices. Hinrichs, T., Bücker, B., Wilm, S., et al.[2015]

In a review of over 5,500 participants from 11 physical activity interventions, no serious study-related adverse events were reported, indicating a high level of safety in these exercise programs.

While minor musculoskeletal injuries were noted, the studies emphasized a 'start low and go slow' approach, suggesting that moderate-intensity physical activity is safe and effective for sedentary, chronically ill, or older populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Screening, safety, and adverse events in physical activity interventions: collaborative experiences from the behavior change consortium. Ory, M., Resnick, B., Jordan, PJ., et al.[2022]

In a review of 113 randomized controlled trials involving 5909 participants with knee osteoarthritis, only 44.2% reported adverse events (AEs), indicating potential underreporting of exercise-related harm, which was found in 6.0% of participants with clear AE statements.

The study highlighted improvements in reporting AEs and dropouts (DOs) after the implementation of the CONSORT-2010 guidelines, but emphasized the need for clearer definitions and reporting standards to ensure the safety and efficacy of therapeutic exercise interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reporting of Harm in Randomized Controlled Trials of Therapeutic Exercise for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review. von Heideken, J., Chowdhry, S., Borg, J., et al.[2023]

Exercise is a safe and effective non-drug treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and knee, showing small to moderate improvements in pain and function similar to those achieved with NSAIDs.

Both aerobic and strengthening exercises are equally effective for managing pain and improving function in OA patients, and combining diet with exercise may provide additional benefits, especially for obese individuals.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness and safety of strengthening, aerobic, and coordination exercises for patients with osteoarthritis. Bischoff, HA., Roos, EM.[2022]

Citations

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This study aimed to assess the methodological quality of published systematic reviews of exercise therapy in knee osteoarthritis and summarise ...

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The Group PT program has strong potential to become a standard offering for PT, improving function and pain-related outcomes for patients with ...

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All 5 types of exercise were able to ameliorate KOA. AE (for pain relief) and YG (for joint stiffness, limited knee function, and quality of ...

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mhealth.jmir.org

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Conclusion. An 8-week telehealth, group-based, mindful exercise intervention was safe for people with knee OA. Our decentralized approach was feasible in terms ...