Improving knee osteoarthritis treatment with exercise incentives and corticosteroid injections

A Pragmatic Trial to Determine the Benefit of Behaviorally Enhanced Exercise Incentives and Corticosteroid Injections in Osteoarthritis of the Knee

NIH-funded research Philadelphia VA Medical Center · NIH-10938019

This study is looking at how using fun rewards to encourage exercise and giving corticosteroid injections can help veterans with knee osteoarthritis feel better and move more easily.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPhiladelphia VA Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10938019 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how behaviorally enhanced exercise incentives and corticosteroid injections can improve outcomes for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). It aims to promote physical activity among veterans suffering from KOA, as reduced activity can worsen pain and function. The study will explore the effectiveness of social incentives based on behavioral economics to encourage exercise, alongside evaluating the potential benefits of corticosteroid injections for pain relief. By addressing these gaps, the research seeks to provide practical solutions for managing KOA.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis who experience pain and reduced physical activity.

Not a fit: Patients with knee osteoarthritis who are not veterans or those who do not experience significant pain or functional limitations may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management and enhanced physical function for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using behavioral economics to promote physical activity in other populations, but this specific approach in KOA is novel.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.