Running for Knee Arthritis

(GORUN Trial)

Overseen By Natasha Krowchuk, BSc

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of British Columbia

Disqualifiers: Inflammatory arthritis, Movement disorders, MRI safety, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 6 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

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.

Who Is on the Research Team?

Michael Hunt, PT, PhD

Principal Investigator

The University of British Columbia

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

My knees have been pain-free for at least 3 months and my knee x-rays show no osteoarthritis.

Participants have been running consistently for no more than six months at the time of enrollment, with a cumulative weekly volume of less than 5 kilometers OR have yet to take up recreational running consistently

Participants are comfortable running and walking on a treadmill for at least 30 minutes

Exclusion Criteria

Participants have metallic implants (including pace makers, brain aneurysm clips, stents, cochlear implants, artificial heart valves, and prostheses)

I do not have any health issues, besides knee OA, that limit my ability to move normally.

I have had surgery or gotten a tattoo in the last 6 weeks.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Initial assessments including MRI and KOOS evaluations are conducted

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants engage in a running program intervention

6 months

Regular check-ins (frequency not specified)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Healthy control Active Control 1 Intervention

Pain-free Individuals without radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis who will receive the running program intervention

Group II: Knee osteoarthritis group Active Control 1 Intervention

Individuals with knee pain and radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis who will receive the running program intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of British Columbia

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,506

Recruited

2,528,000+