Molecular pathways involved in knee pain
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Molecular pathways involved in knee pain: an observational study
IRAS ID
275727
Contact name
Ana Valdes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Nottingham
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
2216668, StepUP OA Versus Arthritis Fund; N/A, NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 29 days
Research summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of disability in the elderly population and most individuals suffering from osteoarthritis are managed in the primary care setting. Knee OA is the most common form of arthritis and the most common cause of knee pain in the world.
Central Sensitisation (CS) is a marker of pain sensitivity, controlled by the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and can appear as widespread pain in multiple areas away from the most painful joint. The presence of CS increases the complexity of the clinical picture and can cause increased pain, disability, emotional distress and poor quality of life. Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) is a reliable and valid method to assess for the presence of CS and has been found to help with prediction of poor recovery. Establishing the reliability of clinical tests in general and pain testing in particular is essential when these tests are used to help clinicians decide on the most appropriate treatment.
We will recruit 140 individuals with knee pain who, in a single session, will undergo a combination of sample extraction (blood, saliva, urine, synovial fluid and faeces), radiographic examination (x-ray, ultrasound), clinical assessment (use of QST to assess pain sensitivity, strength tests, function and balance tests) and collection of data via a questionnaire booklet (pain, stress, dietary habits, frailty and MSK health). The first 25 out of the 140 participants who will choose to participate in the sub-study will undergo a small QST assessment at the end of their session for reliability and validity purposes.
Based on our findings, future research may use similar clinical assessments to identify people with knee pain who might be helped by using treatment that reduces central sensitisation.
REC name
East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/EM/0065
Date of REC Opinion
1 Apr 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion