Comparing intermittent and continuous walking for knee osteoarthritis pain relief
Pain Profiles and Patterns of Physical Activity in Persons With Chronic Knee Pain
NA · Northwestern University · NCT05623683
This study is testing whether walking in short bursts or continuously helps people with knee osteoarthritis feel less pain and be more active.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 45 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Aalborg) |
| Trial ID | NCT05623683 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the immediate effects of two walking methods—intermittent and continuous—on pain profiles in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Participants will engage in treadmill walking sessions, alternating between blocks of walking and resting for the intermittent method, while the continuous method involves a longer, uninterrupted walking session. The study seeks to determine which walking approach is more beneficial in managing pain and improving physical activity engagement for those suffering from chronic knee pain. By analyzing the pain responses, the trial hopes to provide insights into optimal physical activity patterns for knee health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are men and women aged 45-75 with chronic knee pain who can walk unassisted on a treadmill.
Not a fit: Patients with recent knee injections, surgeries, or significant balance issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help identify a more effective walking regimen that alleviates pain and encourages physical activity in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that different patterns of physical activity can influence pain management, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * men or women aged 45-75 years * BMI ≤ 35 kg/m2 * frequent movement-related knee pain (knee pain on more than half the days of the past month) * no morning stiffness or morning stiffness lasting \< 30-min * self-reported unilateral or bilateral knee pain of ≥ 3 and ≤ 7 on a 0-10 numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) * knee pain duration ≥ 12 months * physically able to walk unassisted on a treadmill at ≥ 4 km/hour for 30 minutes * own a smart phone * willing and able to wear an activity monitor and answer electronic survey questions delivered via a smart phone over a 10-day period. Exclusion Criteria: * intra-articular steroid injections in the previous 3 months * intra-articular hyaluronic acid injection in the previous 6 months * any arthroscopic or surgical knee procedures (e.g., partial meniscectomy) in the past 12 months * lumbar radiculopathy * neurological, vestibular, or visual dysfunction affecting walking balance and mobility * plan for total knee arthroplasty in the next 12 months
Where this trial is running
Aalborg
- Aalborg University — Aalborg, Denmark (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alison H Chang — Aalborg University
- Study coordinator: Alison H Chang
- Email: hsini@northwestern.edu
- Phone: 312-908-8273
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Knee Osteoarthritis