Understanding how walking affects the development of knee osteoarthritis
Discovering the Mechanisms Linking Gait to Osteoarthritis Onset and Progression
This study is looking at how the way you walk might affect your chances of developing knee osteoarthritis, especially if you've had a knee injury, and it hopes to find ways to improve walking therapy to help prevent this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11049335 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between walking patterns and the onset of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in individuals who are at high risk, particularly after knee injuries. It aims to identify how abnormal loading during walking can lead to changes in the cartilage of the knee joint, which may contribute to the development of KOA. By establishing a mechanistic pathway, the study seeks to enhance precision gait rehabilitation techniques that could help prevent KOA. Patients may be involved in assessments of their walking biomechanics to better understand these connections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young individuals who have experienced knee injuries and are at high risk for developing knee osteoarthritis.
Not a fit: Patients who have not had knee injuries or those who are not at risk for knee osteoarthritis may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new interventions that prevent knee osteoarthritis in at-risk individuals, improving their long-term joint health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the biomechanics of gait and its impact on joint health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pietrosimone, Brian — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Pietrosimone, Brian
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.