Grant: Project Grant

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects more than 16% of Canadian adults and results in more than $27.5 billion in annual economic burden. The knee is the most commonly affected joint, and people with knee OA report chronic pain, physical dysfunction, and reduced quality of life. Maintaining an active lifestyle is advocated for all patients with knee OA. Recreational running (jogging) is enjoyed by millions of Canadians as an inexpensive and effective means to remain physically active. However, many former runners have stopped running upon receiving a diagnosis of knee OA, and many current runners would stop running if they were to receive a similar diagnosis. Further, many people choose not to take up running in order to protect their knees. These beliefs are based on a fear of causing joint damage and/or speeding up disease progression. This not only has a negative effect on quality of life and overall well-being, but results in dramatic decreases in physical activity levels. Unfortunately, these decisions are not based on scientific evidence, as no data can definitively dictate whether running is damaging (or not) for joint health. Our research will shed new light on the safety of running for knee joint health. We will be the first to directly assess the immediate changes in cartilage following a single bout of running in people with and without knee OA, as well as the first to compare running biomechanics (patterns) between these two groups in order to determine if the knee joint functions differently during running in the presence of OA. In addition to providing better clinical advice, based on evidence, to people with knee OA who wish to continue running, this study will provide fundamental knowledge of the role of high impact activities such as running on cartilage health. This information can be used to refine strategies such as running modification that can help to prevent the onset of knee OA for many physically-active individuals.