How different amounts of physical activity affect arthritis symptoms
Examination of the Dose Response Relationship Between Physical Activity and Arthritis-Attributable Outcomes
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA · NIH-11186965
This project compares 45, 90, and 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous activity to see how they change pain, function, mood, and quality of life for adults with arthritis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11186965 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would follow one of three weekly activity targets (45, 90, or 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity) and wear a device that objectively tracks your movement. The team will measure changes in physical function, pain, health-related quality of life, and depressive symptoms at 6 and 12 months. They will also collect short-term reports after activity using momentary surveys to track fatigue, pain, confidence, and happiness. The goal is to find whether smaller, more achievable activity amounts can still improve arthritis-related outcomes and to understand immediate symptom changes after being active.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with a clinical diagnosis of arthritis who struggle to meet current physical activity guidelines and are willing to follow a weekly activity plan and wear an activity monitor would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without arthritis, those already meeting or exceeding 150 minutes/week of moderate-to-vigorous activity, or individuals who cannot safely perform moderate-to-vigorous activity due to other health issues may not benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could show that smaller, realistic amounts of activity improve arthritis symptoms and offer clearer, achievable exercise goals for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other research shows exercise helps arthritis, but clear evidence directly comparing low, medium, and guideline-level weekly doses and short-term symptom responses is limited.
Where this research is happening
COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA — COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PELLEGRINI, CHRISTINE ANN — UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA
- Study coordinator: PELLEGRINI, CHRISTINE ANN
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.