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Take part in our research about persistent knee pain and osteoarthritis

We are looking for people to help us with two new projects about knee pain and osteoarthritis

About our research

As part of our work with the Versus Arthritis Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis, we are carrying out two new projects in the area of exercise and supported physical activity for Osteoarthritis.

Project One

Physical activity and exercise is known to be beneficial for individuals with Osteoarthritis. However, some people experience a short term increase in symptoms after using their affected joint. There are potentially some mechanisms which mean that exercise might be beneficial for symptoms independent of whether the affected joint is used. We aim to test the short term effects of two different types of low impact exercise (traditional cycling and arm-cycling) upon symptoms and the experience of pain.

Project one is running from December 2019 - December 2020.

Project Two

There is a need to be able to provide additional support for individuals to help manage long-term conditions. Researchers across Computer Science and Health at the University of Bath have secured funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to develop a smartphone app to help support people with Osteoarthritis. A key part of this development process is to involve potential users in providing feedback and informing the design of the app. Therefore, we are looking for volunteers to attend design and feedback sessions.

Project two is running from January 2020 - July 2020.

Take part in this research - Project One

Find out if you can take part and what is involved in the study.

Who can take part?

You can take part in our research on low impact exercise if you:

  • are 45 or over
  • have had persistent knee pain for greater than 3 months or a diagnosis of Osteoarthritis
  • have had no joint related morning stiffness, or morning stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes
  • have had no specific joint injury within the last 6 months
  • have been a non smoker for at least 6 months
  • are able to undertake moderate intensity (based on personal capacity) stationary cycling and arm cycling

What is involved?

You will be asked to take part in four laboratory sessions in total:

  • baseline exercise fitness testing (75 minutes)
  • an exercise familiarisation session (90 minutes)
  • two exercise trial sessions (one of cycling and one of arm-cycling – 120 minutes each)

On the two exercise trial sessions, symptom response and responses to experimentally induced pain will be measured before and immediately after exercise. All exercise tests will be of a moderate nature.

What you will get in return

You will receive individualised feedback detailing fitness levels and pain responses.

Confidentiality

Data will be anonymised, with personal information only used for the purposes of arranging study visits and for communication during the study. Personal information will be kept in secured offices and on password protected computers.

This study has received ethical approval from the University of Bath Department for Health Research Ethics Committee 1.

Take part in this research - Project Two

Find out if you can take part and what is involved in the study.

Who can take part?

You can take part in this research if you:

  • are aged 45+ (we are particularly keen to hear from individuals 45-60)
  • have had persistent knee pain for greater than 3 months or a diagnosis of Osteoarthritis

What is involved?

You will be asked to take part in a maximum of three 'app' feedback sessions at the University of Bath over a period of around four months. These will last around 60-90 minute.

What you will get in return

Participants will receive £15 for each feedback session they attend.

Confidentiality

Any information used in the development of the project from feedback sessions will be pseudonymised (i.e. with identifying information removed). Any personal information for the purpose of contact during the study will be kept on password protected computers.

This study has received ethical approval from the University of Bath Department for Health Research Ethics Committee 1.

Contact the lead researchers to take part

Sign up

Contact us

Contact the lead researchers for more information

Dr Enhad Chowdhury, Lead Researcher, project two