Effect of energy restriction and exercise for knee osteoarthritis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effect of short-term negative energy balance with or without exercise on systemic biomarkers in patients with knee osteoarthritis
IRAS ID
271897
Contact name
James Bilzon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bath
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 1 days
Research summary
Knee Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes pain, reduced physical function and quality of life. Long-term studies have shown that exercise and substantial weight loss can cause improvements in these factors. Individuals with knee Osteoarthritis might have changes in their joint that can be seen with x-ray images. However, this is not guaranteed, and imaging does not always detect changes that occur with interventions that cause improved symptoms. As a result, there is interest in biological markers (biomarkers) as another way of monitoring Osteoarthritis. These markers can be examined in biological tissues, with samples measured in blood easier to obtain than those taken from the fluid within the joint itself.
Historically, Osteoarthritis was thought of as a disease caused by mechanical factors but we are now aware that inflammation also plays a part. Therefore, we aim to test a short –term diet/exercise intervention that we have seen improve inflammation in other populations in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Importantly, this will allow us to see if reducing food intake alone or doing this with regular exercise can improve outcomes without substantial weight loss.
We will ask individuals to participate in one of two groups where we will first ask individuals to continue their normal lifestyle for 4 weeks to check the stability of outcomes. We will then ask individuals to either reduce their food intake by 5000 calories per week, or do this while also completing moderate intensity cycling exercise 5 times a week for 4 weeks. At the start and end of each period we will collect a blood sample to assess markers of inflammation and disease related processes. We will also conduct questionnaire measurements, tests of physical function and experimental pain and scan participants to establish body composition.REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/SW/0063
Date of REC Opinion
11 Jun 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion