NIH-funded research R01 grant

Improving function and reducing pain after knee replacement through physical activity and weight loss

Official title: Physical Activity and Weight Loss to Improve Function and Pain after Total Knee Replacement

Funded at University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-10884200 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a personalized weight loss program can help people recover better and feel healthier after knee replacement surgery, and it’s for those who want to improve their recovery and overall well-being.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of South Carolina at Columbia
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbia, United States)
Project startJuly 15, 2021
Project endJune 30, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$581,896
NIH project number5R01AG070004-04
Project IDNIH-10884200 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are undergoing total knee replacement and may be overweight or inactive.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not undergoing total knee replacement or those who are not overweight may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how a tailored weight loss program can enhance recovery and overall health for patients who have undergone total knee replacement (TKR). It involves a two-arm randomized controlled trial where participants will either engage in a patient-centered weight loss program or a control group focused on chronic disease self-management. The program aims to address the common issues of obesity and inactivity that many TKR patients face, which can lead to poor recovery outcomes. By starting the program 12 weeks post-surgery and continuing for a year, the study seeks to improve physical function and reduce the risk of complications.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery outcomes and quality of life for patients after knee replacement surgery.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that weight management and physical activity can significantly improve recovery outcomes in similar patient populations.

Where this research is happening

  • 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

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.