Diet changes for managing knee pain based on race

Diet Interventions, by Race, Evaluated as Complementary Treatments for Pain

NA · University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT05785884

This study is testing if a low-carbohydrate diet can help reduce knee pain in adults with osteoarthritis, focusing on differences between Black and White participants.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham (other)
Locations1 site (Birmingham, Alabama)
Trial IDNCT05785884 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 40-75 with a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis and significant pain levels.

Not a fit: Patients with unmedicated diabetes, recent weight changes, or those on specific medications affecting metabolism may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-pharmacological approach to pain management for individuals with knee osteoarthritis, particularly in underserved racial groups.

How similar studies have performed: While dietary interventions for pain management have been explored, this specific focus on racial differences and low-carbohydrate diets is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Knee Osteoarthritis, diet, chronic pain, knee osteoarthritis, racial differences

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.