Understanding how fatigue affects fall risk in adults with knee osteoarthritis
Muscle Fatigability and Trip-specific Fall Risk in Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis
NA · University of Delaware · NCT06229691
This study is testing if feeling tired affects the chances of falling while walking in adults aged 55-70 with knee osteoarthritis compared to those without it.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 55 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Delaware (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, Delaware) |
| Trial ID | NCT06229691 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the relationship between muscle fatigability and the risk of falling in adults aged 55-70 years, specifically comparing those with knee osteoarthritis to those without. Participants will engage in a 30-minute treadmill walk and undergo various assessments, including questionnaires, physical activity monitoring, mental fatigue tests, strength testing, and balance evaluations. The study aims to determine if fatigue increases the likelihood of tripping and falling while walking. By analyzing the data, researchers hope to identify specific factors that contribute to fall risk in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 55-70 years with knee osteoarthritis experiencing occasional to frequent knee pain.
Not a fit: Patients with recent fractures, surgeries, or significant neurological or cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved fall prevention strategies for older adults with knee osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on fall risk in older adults, this specific focus on fatigue and knee osteoarthritis is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: For adults with knee osteoarthritis: * presence of occasional to frequent knee pain * knee pain that is primarily in the medial knee joint compartment * minimal morning joint stiffness For all participants: * able to walk continuously for 30 minutes without an assistive device Exclusion Criteria: * fracture or surgery within 1 year * history of joint replacement * lower-extremity joint injections within 3 months * history of stroke or other neurological condition * cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions that limit daily activity or that preclude participation in exercise * history of major lower extremity or back injury or pain (except for knee osteoarthritis) * history of lower extremity amputation * use an orthotic or prosthetic to walk * use of beta blockers or other medications that affect fatigue * use of medications that affect balance * diabetic neuropathy * acute illness or the presence of lesions on the torso or lower extremities * BMI greater than 35 * body weight over 265 lbs
Where this trial is running
Newark, Delaware
- University of Delaware — Newark, Delaware, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jocelyn F Hafer, PhD
- Email: jfhafer@udel.edu
- Phone: 3028313471
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: Osteoarthritis, Knee, balance, fatigue, falls