Understanding Movement-Evoked Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis

This research study is being conducted by the IMPRinT Lab, School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University.

This study aims to examine the different biological, emotional, and thought process that affect movement-evoked pain in people with knee osteoarthritis. It's a cross-sectional study, which means it looks at a large number of people at a single point in time.  Although there has been a lot of research in the past examining the mechanism of pain in general, there is not much research examining movement-evoked pain (MEP). By movement-evoked, we mean pain that is felt when you are doing an activity, for example while climbing stairs or walking. Given that knee osteoarthritis is the most common type of osteoarthritis, with a common symptom being movement-evoked pain, it is important to improve our understanding of this unique type of pain. The results of this project can be used to support standardized assessment of MEP that can benefit researchers and clinicians. Importantly, this project combines general assessment of pain with movement and a way to tailor it to the individual. This comprehensive approach will then help deepen our understanding so that a new and effective treatment can be developed to manage MEP and improve the daily quality of life for people with knee OA.

To participate in this study, you will complete some questionnaires online related to your current health status, physical functioning, pain, and mood. This should take no more than 30 minutes. The rest of your testing will take place in one 1.5-2 hour in-person visit at McMaster University’s main campus in Hamilton. You will complete a set of everyday physical tasks and be asked about your thoughts and emotions relating to each of these tasks. We will also ask you about the amount of pain you experienced while completing the tasks. Your heart rate and heart rate variability will also be measured before and after the physical tasks. Additionally, we will complete some tests to assess the sensitivity of your nervous system, as well as a diagnostic ultrasound of your osteoarthritic knee.

To help reduce barriers to participation associated with transportation costs, participants will be reimbursed round trip bus fare, parking fees, or up to $12 towards taxi fare (equal to the price of parking).   

Check out the research flyers (here and here), and consider sharing them with your clients or others in your network. 

If you are interested in participating, contact Eden Daniel by email (daniee3@mcmaster.ca) or by phone (647-461-1119).