Neuromuscular Exercise : A Novel Treatment To Reduce Symptoms And Joint Load In Medial Knee Osteoarthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$719,199.00
Summary
There is currently no cure for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Thus treatments are needed that not only reduce symptoms but also slow disease progression. Exercise is recommended for knee OA but traditional thigh muscle strengthening exercises do not appear to be effective in all cases and may not slow the disease. This project will compare novel 'neuromuscular exercise' and compare it to traditional strengthening exercise. The results have the potential to alter current exercise prescription
Reducing The Burden Of Joint Replacement: An Innovative Biofeedback Device For Post-Surgical Rehabilitation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$169,500.00
Summary
This project aims to develop a robust wearable device capable of providing immediate audible feedback with respect to knee motion for enhanced post-knee replacement surgery rehabilitation, suitable for use by older people both independently and supervised at home or in the clinic. As there is a current unmet need for such wearable biofeedback devices, this project will lead to intellectual property generation, strengthened partnerships between the involved parties and identification of an indust ....This project aims to develop a robust wearable device capable of providing immediate audible feedback with respect to knee motion for enhanced post-knee replacement surgery rehabilitation, suitable for use by older people both independently and supervised at home or in the clinic. As there is a current unmet need for such wearable biofeedback devices, this project will lead to intellectual property generation, strengthened partnerships between the involved parties and identification of an industry partner to commercialise the technology.Read moreRead less
Knee Osteoarthritis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: The Relationship Between Function And Neuromechanics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$76,252.00
Summary
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction allows most people to return to their previous level of function, but does not prevent the onset of knee osteoarthritis (OA). The development of OA in young people after ACL reconstruction may be caused by the initial injury, altered movement patterns, or changes in muscle control. This study will investigate the relationship between these factors. The findings will help to improve understanding of the causes of OA following ACL reconstruction.
A Randomised Trial Of Zoledronic Acid For Osteoarthritis Of The Knee
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$989,238.00
Summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and is increasing markedly due to an ageing population. Despite its large disease burden, there are currently no approved disease-modifying drugs available which modify structural progression of OA. The aim of this study is to compare zoledronic acid treatment to placebo on knee structural change and knee pain over two years. It is hypothesised that zoledronic acid will reduce cartilage loss, knee pain, and bone marrow lesion size.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) And Neuromuscular Training
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$99,248.00
Summary
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructive (ACLR) following ACL rupture is a successful surgery that improves stability of the knee joint. However, evidence is emerging that despite undergoing reconstructive surgery, osteoarthritis of the knee joint is prevalent in the proceeding years. The proposed research aims to improve biomechanical abnormalities by providing a neuromuscular intervention. This could lead to a more optimal biomechanical pattern which could reduce the degenerative changes occu ....Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructive (ACLR) following ACL rupture is a successful surgery that improves stability of the knee joint. However, evidence is emerging that despite undergoing reconstructive surgery, osteoarthritis of the knee joint is prevalent in the proceeding years. The proposed research aims to improve biomechanical abnormalities by providing a neuromuscular intervention. This could lead to a more optimal biomechanical pattern which could reduce the degenerative changes occurring within the knee of ACLR patients.Read moreRead less
Young People With Old Knees: Knee Ligament Reconstruction And Early Joint Changes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$782,727.00
Summary
Individuals who have undergone a knee reconstruction are at increased risk of knee osteoarthritis - 'younger people with older knees'. This may be partly due to increased knee load. This study aims to investigate whether muscle strength and activation as well as walking patterns influence changes in the knee joint structure as measured on magnetic resonance imaging. This may lead to rehabilitation strategies to address these factors so as to prevent the premature onset of knee osteoarthritis.
Addressing Evidence Gaps And Developing A Novel Treatment To Reduce The Burden Of Post-traumatic Knee Osteoarthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
Arthritis caused by knee injury has a devastating personal and economic impact. Research is needed to develop strategies to prevent arthritis and improve outcomes for people living with arthritis. This research will improve treatment of knee injury to reduce arthritis risk, understand why some people are more likely to get knee arthritis, and develop a new treatment to improve outcomes for people living with knee arthritis. A clinical trial will determine if this treatment achieves this aim.
Reducing Knee Load And Slowing Disease Progression With Conservative Interventions In Knee Osteoarthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$271,503.00
Summary
Knee arthritis is a painful, disabling, costly condition particularly affecting the elderly. As there is presently no cure for arthritis, interventions that slow progression of the disease will reduce the personal and societal burden of arthritis. Recently it has been postulated that specific exercise that targets how the muscles are controlled by the nervous system may have greater disease-modifying effects than exercise aimed at strengthening the muscles. Data are beginning to highlight the co ....Knee arthritis is a painful, disabling, costly condition particularly affecting the elderly. As there is presently no cure for arthritis, interventions that slow progression of the disease will reduce the personal and societal burden of arthritis. Recently it has been postulated that specific exercise that targets how the muscles are controlled by the nervous system may have greater disease-modifying effects than exercise aimed at strengthening the muscles. Data are beginning to highlight the complexity of muscle strategies adopted by the nervous system to compensate for joint derangement in knee arthritis. It is our contention that there may be specific strategies that provide more optimal knee joint loading in relation to slowing disease progression. The first part of this project is to investigate knee control in people with knee arthritis and to evaluate whether this influences disease progression. This will provide the basis for refinement and optimisation of rehabilitation interventions for this patient group. The second part of this project will investigate whether strengthening the hip muscles in patients with knee arthritis influences knee load and hence disease progression. Hip muscle strengthening is currently not routinely included as part of the management of knee arthritis. If the results of this project find it to be effective, then hip muscle strengthening can be recommended for treating knee arthritis.Read moreRead less
Young Adults With Old Knees: Prevalence Of Early-onset Knee Osteoarthritis Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction And Exploration Of Clinical Risk Factors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$107,204.00
Summary
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is common after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Little is known about OA development and progression in the early stages of disease, less than five years post-ACLR. This study aims to evaluate the development and presence of OA from at five years post-ACLR and to explore factors that can determine who is likely to have worsening of early-onset OA. This information can be used to develop treatments that may be used to slow OA progression.