Energy Dispersive Bracing for Conservative Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

The goal of this study is to explore the effectiveness of a commercially available, over-the-counter knee brace in the conservative treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Participants will either be fitted with a brace and told to wear it every day during normal activities, fitted with the brace and given instructions on a set of quadriceps strengthening exercises to complete twice daily, every day, or be given the exercise instructions, but not fitted with a brace. Functional and subjective outcomes will be collected preoperatively and at 6 and 12 weeks from baseline, with the goal of informing the effectiveness of bracing alone versus a home exercise program, and whether the combination of those provides the most therapeutic benefit to participants.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subject is being treated for knee joint pain
• Subject is willing and able to comply with the evaluation schedule

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subject is undergoing surgery during the follow-up window that would limit their ability to comply with the evaluation schedule and/or significantly affect the outcomes measures
• Subject has current alcohol, opioid, or other drug dependence
• Subject is taking prescribed medication for pain other than in the knee joint (e.g. back pain)