The knee MOvement, Balance and stabILITY study: MOBILITY V1.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The impact of osteoarthritis and its treatments on balance control, function and fear of falling: a dynamic platform study
IRAS ID
360810
Contact name
Amy Garner
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
By age 60, around 1 in 10 men and 1 in 5 women are affected by knee osteoarthritis (OA), over 500 million people worldwide. Severe OA causes pain, stiffness, and movement difficulties. Many people feel unsteady, lose confidence in their balance, or worry about falling. The exact forces acting on the damaged knee, and how the rest of the body adapts, are poorly understood.
In advanced cases, knee replacement is often needed — a major operation with some risks and mixed results. Around one in five people are unhappy with their outcome, saying their knee still hurts or limits what they can do. Depending on which parts of the joint are worn out, people may have either a total or partial knee replacement. A total knee replacement (TKR) replaces the whole joint with metal and plastic parts. It is the most common treatment for OA but can involve removing healthy tissue.
A partial knee replacement (PKR) replaces only damaged areas, keeping the healthy structures. It usually feels more natural, allows better movement, and involves a smaller, safer operation, though some people may need further surgery later if other parts wear out. The exact reasons why PKR often gives better movement are still unclear.
At the University of Exeter, the 'vSimulator' facility, researchers investigate how people move in everyday settings. Using advanced motion and vibration technology, it measures how people walk, balance, and adjust when the knee isn’t working properly. It can track improvements after surgery and highlight where movement is still limited.
The knee MOvement, Balance and stabILITY (MOBILITY) study will compare people suitable for partial knee replacement with those who have healthy knees. We’ll begin with a small pilot to test and improve our methods, helping plan future larger studies. This initial project focuses on refining research methods to guide future, more detailed work.
REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
26/WA/0058
Date of REC Opinion
17 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion