Diet changes for managing knee pain based on race

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of low-carbohydrate diets on knee osteoarthritis pain, focusing on racial differences in pain experience. It aims to recruit 200 adults aged 40-75, with equal representation of Non-Hispanic Black and Non-Hispanic White participants, who report significant pain and impairment due to knee osteoarthritis. Participants will be screened for eligibility based on their pain levels, dietary habits, and other health factors. The study will compare the outcomes of a low-carbohydrate diet against a standard USDA diet to determine the effectiveness of dietary interventions in reducing pain.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. diagnosis of knee OA
2. pain in at least 4/7 days/week for the past 3 months (pain of ≥3/10 on 0-10 scale)
3. age between 40-75
4. average daily consumption of \>100 g carbohydrates (based on Phase 1 food checklist)
5. understanding of verbal and written English
6. self-identification as either NHB or NHW
7. BMI between 25 and 40 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

1. unmedicated diabetes
2. unwillingness to follow prescribed diets
3. recent weight change (\>4 kg in past month)
4. currently on a diet
5. history of eating disorders or other psychiatric disorders requiring hospitalization within the past 6 months
6. digestive diseases
7. difficulty chewing or swallowing
8. reliance on others for meal preparation
9. cardiovascular or pulmonary disease
10. daily opioid pain medications
11. use of medications known to alter metabolism or digestion (e.g., proton-pump inhibitors)
12. use of anti-hypertensive medications that affect glucose tolerance
13. use of tobacco
14. participation in extreme exercise
15. knee replacement

Where it's running

• University of Alabama at Birmingham
  Birmingham, Alabama, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Robert E Sorge, PhD — University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Study coordinator: Robert E Sorge, PhD
• Email: rsorge@uab.edu
• Phone: 12059348563

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.