Feasibility of High Intensity Interval Training in Knee Osteoarthritis

Feasibility of High Intensity Interval Training in Knee Osteoarthritis

The focus of this pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing an evidenced-based high intensity interval training program (HIIT) to improve physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

All participants will be assigned to the single-arm of the study in which all participants will receive 12 weeks of HIIT, delivered twice per week. The primary outcome will examine the feasibility and acceptability of the 12 week HIIT program in patients with knee OA symptoms ranging from mild to severe. The investigators will determine adherence to and tolerability of HIIT, acceptability, and recruitment and retention rates during the 12 week program. Additional outcomes will include physical function, knee OA symptomatic burden (pain), static standing balance, isometric knee extensor and flexor strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition.

Inclusion Criteria:

• between the ages of 40 and 75 years old
• body mass index of 18.5-50 kg/m²
• exhibits symptomatic knee OA, defined as a diagnosis of knee OA, as identified from University of North Carolina electronic medical records, and current knee symptoms in at least one knee, having a minimum score of 6 out of 20 on the Western Ontario and McMasters Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale.

Exclusion Criteria:

• individuals diagnosed with a cardiovascular condition restricting exercise
• individuals currently meeting Department of Health and Human Services Guidelines for physical activity (≥ 150 minutes per week
• individuals currently doing HIIT
• individuals currently participating in physical therapy for knee OA
• individuals currently participating in another OA intervention study
• received a corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid intra-articular injection in the knee during the previous 3 weeks or scheduled for during the intervention
• diagnosis of gout in the knee
• diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
• diagnosis of fibromyalgia
• other systemic rheumatic disease
• severe dementia or other memory loss
• active diagnosis of psychosis or uncontrolled substance abuse disorder
• hospitalization for a stroke, heart attack, or heart failure, or had surgery for blocked arteries in the past 3 months
• total joint replacement knee surgery, other knee surgery, meniscus tear, or anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in the past 6 months
• on a waiting list for total joint replacement
• severely impaired hearing or speech
• pregnant or planning to become pregnant while enrolled in the study
• inability to speak English
• serious or terminal illness as indicated by referral to hospice or palliative care
• nursing home residence
• inability to ride a stationary bike
• any other health problems that would prohibit safe participation in the study
• EKG results EKG suggesting the individual would not be able to safely participate in this study