The GORUN Study: Gradual Onset of RUNning and Knee Joint Health in Novice Runners

The GORUN Study: Gradual Onset of RUNning and Knee Joint Health in Novice Runners

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating disease affecting millions worldwide. Exercise is a core treatment for knee OA, and is advocated by all clinical guidelines. Running is a common exercise that is accessible and evokes a number of positive physical and psychological benefits. However, the appropriateness of recreational running in the presence of knee OA is unclear.

A growing literature base appears to suggest that running may not be deleterious to the health - especially at the knee joint - of people with knee OA. Our recent research has focused on examining a number of health outcomes relevant to knee OA in older individuals with knee OA, but has been limited to experienced runners. This study will address that limitation by focusing on how novice (new) runners respond to a new running program.

Inclusion criteria (all):

• have been running consistently for no more than six months at time of enrolment, with a cumulative weekly volume of less than 5 kilometres OR have yet to take up recreational running consistently
• are comfortable running and walking on a treadmill for at least 30 minutes

Inclusion criteria (knee osteoarthritis (OA) group):

• have definitive knee OA as diagnosed using x-rays
• report having experienced frequent knee pain over the past 3 months

Inclusion criteria (Control group):

• have no evidence of knee OA based on x-rays
• have had pain-free knees for at least the past 3 months

Exclusion Criteria (all):

• have an inflammatory arthritic condition (e.g. gout or rheumatoid arthritis)
• have a presence of any health condition (other than OA in the knee OA group) affecting normal movement or that precludes engaging in moderate to high impact activities such as running

Additionally, exclusion criteria based on MRI safety:

• cannot safely fit into the MRI scanner
• presence of metallic implants (including pace makers, brain aneurysm clips, stents, cochlear implants, artificial heart valves, and prostheses)
• recent surgery or tattoos within the past 6 weeks
• current or possible pregnancy
• electrical stimulator for nerves or bones
• infusion pumps
• shrapnel or other metallic fragments
• non-removable metallic jewellry