Exercise Incentives + Corticosteroid Injections for Osteoarthritis
(MOVE-OK Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to help veterans with knee osteoarthritis (painful and stiff joints) by testing methods to encourage exercise and using corticosteroid injections (a type of anti-inflammatory medication) to reduce pain. Researchers will divide participants into four groups to determine which combinations of social support and injections best boost activity and ease discomfort. This trial suits veterans with ongoing knee issues, previous joint injections, and a desire to become more active. Participants should be able to walk about half a mile daily.
As a Phase 3 trial, this study represents the final step before FDA approval, offering participants a chance to contribute to potentially groundbreaking treatment advancements.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that social rewards and game-like features can encourage people to be more active. One study found that these methods increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Another study found that exercise programs with game elements boosted activity levels without affecting quality of life.
For corticosteroid injections, results are mixed. Some studies have found that these injections improved knee osteoarthritis symptoms for about 12 weeks. However, other research noted potential risks, such as increased knee joint damage over time. Despite this, corticosteroid injections remain a common method for managing joint pain.
Overall, social rewards and game-like features appear safe and effective for increasing physical activity. Corticosteroid injections can provide short-term relief but may carry some long-term risks.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about the Exercise Incentives and Corticosteroid Injections trial because it combines social incentives and gamification with standard corticosteroid injections to tackle osteoarthritis in a novel way. Unlike typical treatments that rely solely on medication to relieve pain and inflammation, this approach encourages patients to increase their physical activity through a supportive, game-like platform. This method not only aims to enhance the effectiveness of the corticosteroid injections but also promotes long-term lifestyle changes by motivating patients to achieve step goals. By integrating these elements, the trial seeks to improve both immediate symptom relief and overall joint health more effectively than standard care alone.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for knee osteoarthritis?
Studies have shown that gamification, which uses game-like features to make activities more engaging, can significantly increase exercise levels. For example, participants in exercise programs with game elements were more active than those in regular programs. In this trial, some participants will receive social incentives and gamification to promote exercise, which could help people with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) stay active and manage symptoms.
Research has indicated that corticosteroid injections are a common treatment for knee osteoarthritis. These injections can offer short-term pain relief and improve joint function by reducing swelling. In this trial, participants will receive corticosteroid injections in different sequences. Combining gamification with these injections may help people with KOA move more easily and experience less pain.678910Who Is on the Research Team?
Joshua Baker, MD
Principal Investigator
Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for Veterans with chronic knee osteoarthritis who have had joint injections before, want to increase their physical activity, and can walk at least half a mile per day. It's not for those without a smartphone, in acute pain, with conditions that make exercise unsafe, or with knee hardware that prevents injections.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive social incentives and gamification or no incentives, along with corticosteroid or lidocaine injections in a crossover design
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Corticosteroid Injection
- Social Incentives and Gamification to Promote Exercise
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
VA Office of Research and Development
Lead Sponsor