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
N/A
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
Researchers are investigating why some people with knee osteoarthritis experience more severe and disabling walking pain than others, despite similar levels of joint degeneration. The study focuses on identifying the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to walking pain and limitations in function, with a special interest in how brain processes may influence these differences. This observational study aims to improve understanding of movement-related pain and functional limitations in knee osteoarthritis to help guide future treatments. Participants aged 45 to 80 years with moderate-to-severe knee osteoarthritis and chronic knee pain will take part in two study visits. During these visits, they will complete surveys, perform physical function tasks such as exercise and mobility assessments, and undergo various non-invasive evaluations including knee X-rays, MRI scans, brain imaging, sensory testing, and biomechanical assessments. The data collected will be analyzed to identify factors affecting walking pain and functional ability. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed on pain intensity during a six-minute walk test as the primary outcome. Additional measures include the distance walked during this test. Researchers will monitor participants' physical performance, pain levels, and brain activity. The study will last over two visits and aims to provide insights that may lead to better physical therapy outcomes and improved health for people with knee osteoarthritis.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Individual Differences in Gait and Osteoarthritis Pain
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Knee pain lasting more than 6 months
- Moderate-to-severe knee pain (greater than 3 out of 10) on more than half the days in the past month
- Diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis according to American College of Rheumatology and EULAR criteria
- KL grade 2-4 showing significant degenerative changes on knee X-ray
- Age between 45 and 80 years old
You will not qualify if you...
- Having inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis
- More severe pain from another chronic pain syndrome like fibromyalgia or hip osteoarthritis
- Significant lower limb pain or weakness from neurological conditions such as stroke or lumbar radiculopathy
- Experiencing acute pain more severe than knee osteoarthritis pain
- Currently using more than 15 mg oral morphine equivalents per day
- Recent start (within one month) of new medication, exercise, behavioral, or complementary treatments
- Recent intra-articular knee injection (within one month)
- Recent knee radiofrequency ablation (within three months)
- Recent knee arthroscopic surgery (within three months)
- History of knee replacement or open knee surgery on the more painful knee
- Unable to walk or climb stairs without significant assistance
- Unable to participate in study procedures due to cognitive impairment or language barriers
- Uncontrolled or unstable medical conditions preventing participation
- History of brain surgery
- Tattoos on sensory testing sites
- 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
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - 1 day
Participants undergo comprehensive data collection including surveys, exercise tasks, non-invasive brain and joint imaging, and biomechanics assessments during mobility to identify factors contributing to walking-evoked pain and functional limitations in knee osteoarthritis.
2 study visits
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
E
Emma Racunas, BS
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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