Exercise for Chronic Knee Pain
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The objective of the study is to explore the effects of arm exercise (UE, arm ergometer) vs. leg exercise (LE, cycling ergometer) on exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH), central pain mechanisms and knee pain in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Furthermore, we will explore relations of socioeconomic status, racial discrimination, acculturative stress, and autonomic function to exercise effects on EIH, central pain mechanisms, and knee pain. This will be a pilot randomized cross-over study where all participants undergo Day 1 (baseline assessments), Day 2 (UE or LE), and Day 3 (UE or LE).
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it excludes those who use opioids regularly. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial coordinators.
Is exercise safe for people with chronic knee pain?
How is exercise different from other treatments for chronic knee pain?
Exercise is a non-drug treatment that helps reduce pain and improve function in knee osteoarthritis by strengthening muscles, improving joint movement, and increasing physical activity levels. Unlike medications, it doesn't have side effects and can be tailored to individual needs, including weight loss and addressing other health conditions.12678
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Exercise, Physical Activity, Workout, Fitness Training for chronic knee pain?
Research shows that exercise and physical activity can improve pain and function in people with knee osteoarthritis, a common cause of chronic knee pain. High-intensity exercise may offer greater health benefits, and task-specific training has been shown to improve pain and function in individuals with chronic knee pain.19101112
Who Is on the Research Team?
Kosaku Aoyagi, PhD
Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for people over 45 with knee osteoarthritis and a pain level of at least 4 out of 10. They must understand English, have activity-related knee pain, and not have morning stiffness lasting over half an hour. Excluded are those with pacemakers, pregnant women, severe diseases, past knee replacements, sensation loss where pain is measured, chronic opioid use or certain arthritis types.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Day 1: Collection of participant characteristics, race/ethnicity data, and baseline pain assessments
Treatment
Day 2 and Day 3: Participants undergo either upper extremity or lower extremity exercise with pain assessments before and after exercise
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Exercise
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Texas, El Paso
Lead Sponsor