Actively Recruiting
Individual Differences in Gait and Osteoarthritis Pain
Led by University of Pittsburgh · Updated on 2026-01-29
300
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
238 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Pittsburgh
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The goal of this observational study is to look at inter-individual differences in knee osteoarthritis (OA) walking pain and performance. The main questions this study aims to answer are: Why do some people with knee osteoarthritis have more severe disabling pain than others, even though the degenerative changes in their knees are similar? What are the factors that contribute to walking pain in people with knee osteoarthritis? Participants will complete surveys, perform physical function tasks, get a knee X-ray and MRI, undergo non-invasive brain imaging, and undergo sensory testing.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Individual Differences in Gait and Osteoarthritis Pain
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Knee pain lasting longer than 6 months
- Moderate-to-severe knee pain (greater than 3 out of 10) due to osteoarthritis on more than 50% of days in the past month
- Knee X-ray showing KL grade 2 to 4 indicating significant degenerative changes
- Age between 45 and 80 years old
You will not qualify if you...
- Inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis
- More intense pain from another chronic pain condition like fibromyalgia or hip osteoarthritis
- Significant pain or weakness in lower limbs caused by neurological conditions like lumbar radiculopathy or stroke
- Acute pain that is more intense than knee osteoarthritis pain
- Routine use of more than 15 mg oral morphine equivalents daily
- Started new medication, exercise, behavioral, or complementary treatments within the last month
- Received intra-articular steroid or other injections within the last month
- Had knee radiofrequency ablation within the last 3 months
- Had knee arthroscopic surgery within the last 3 months
- History of knee replacement or open knee surgery on the more painful knee
- Unable to walk or climb stairs without significant assistance (use of a cane is allowed)
- Unable to participate in study procedures due to cognitive impairment or inability to read and understand English
- Uncontrolled or unstable medical condition preventing study participation
- History of brain surgery
- Tattoos on sites used for sensory testing
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Unable to undergo knee MRI due to incompatible devices or foreign bodies
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
UPMC Pain Medicine at Centre Commons
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15206
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
B
Benedict Alter, MD, PhD
CONTACT
E
Emma Racunas, BS
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
1
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