UQ researchers are interested in understanding if people with patellofemoral osteoarthritis (painful knees) walk differently to those without painful knees, and if specific footwear may influence movement and pain.

They hope the outcomes from this study will help guide future treatment strategies aimed at reducing pain, alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life in people with patellofemoral osteoarthritis.

If eligible, participants will be asked to attend a one-off laboratory session at The University of Queensland, St. Lucia campus. They will be asked to: (1) complete questionnaires related to your knee and physical activity level; (2) perform a weight-bearing lunge test to measure your ankle range of motion; (3) walk on a level and declined treadmill; and (4) perform submaximal and maximal calf contractions.

Eligibility 

Adults who are at least 45 years old and have patellofemoral osteoarthritis (painful knees), and others who do not have painful knees.

Exclusion criteria include:

  • History of lower limb surgery (e.g., arthroplasty and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction)
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m²
  • Knee injection in the previous 3 months
  • Any neurological conditions
  • Physical disability that prevents performing the testing procedures
  • Inability to understand written and spoken English

Participant benefits

Participants will receive a $20 gift voucher.

Register your interest 

Click the link below to register your interest. 

Register your interest

This study has been approved by The University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee [Approval No.2022/HE002285]