Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effect of Exercise on Muscle Activity, Strength, and Balance in People With Knee Osteoarthritis

This study explores how a specific group exercise program called Les Mills Thrive can help people with knee osteoarthritis. Researchers will measure if this program changes how muscles work, and if it makes them stronger and improves balance. They will also look at whether it reduces everyday symptoms like pain and stiffness. The study involves 42 older adults with knee osteoarthritis who will do the exercise program for 12 weeks. Before and after the program, various tests will be done, including checking muscle activity, strength, and balance, as well as asking participants about their symptoms and daily activities. The aim is to see if this type of exercise can be a good way to manage knee osteoarthritis.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Gillian Hatfield

Enrolment target

Start

26 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

19 Jun 2026

Osteo Arthritis Knee and Hip

What is this study about?

This study is looking into how a specific group exercise program, called Les Mills Thrive, might help people who have knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects people's joints, leading to pain and stiffness, especially in the knees and hips. We want to understand if taking part in this exercise program can make a real difference to these symptoms.

The main goal is to see if this exercise program can improve how your muscles work around the knee, make them stronger, and help with your balance. Researchers will also be checking if it helps reduce the pain and other uncomfortable feelings often associated with knee osteoarthritis. By understanding these effects, we hope to find better ways to help people manage their condition and improve their daily lives.

The results of this study are important because they could show whether this type of group exercise is a good option for people with knee osteoarthritis. This information will be shared widely, not just with doctors and scientists, but also with organisations who specialise in fitness and people in the community, so that many more people can potentially benefit from the findings.

Key takeaways

Study focuses on knee osteoarthritis.
Investigates a 12-week group exercise program (Les Mills Thrive).
Aims to improve muscle activity, strength, balance, and reduce symptoms.
No new medications are involved, only exercise.
Results will help understand exercise benefits for knee osteoarthritis.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you must have been told by a doctor that you have knee osteoarthritis, or your symptoms must match the specific criteria for knee osteoarthritis. Also, you must be in good enough health to start an exercise program, which will be checked with a simple questionnaire.

However, there are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you've had a serious knee injury, knee surgery, or injections in your knee within the last six months. You also can't join if you have ongoing swelling in your knee, or certain conditions that might affect your balance or make exercise unsafe, such as Parkinson's disease, severe uncontrolled diabetes, heart or lung problems, or very poor eyesight that can't be corrected. If you have other types of inflammatory joint conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, you also won't be able to participate. Generally, people from 19 years old and above, regardless of gender, can be considered.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Have I been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis by a doctor?
Have I had knee surgery, a serious knee injury, or injections in my knee in the last six months?
Do I have any serious heart, lung, or neurological conditions?
Is my eyesight good enough, or corrected, so it won't affect my balance?
Do I have any other inflammatory joint conditions like rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you will begin with a set of assessments to understand your current muscle activity, strength, balance, and symptoms. Following this, you will participate in a specific group exercise program called Les Mills Thrive, which will run for 12 weeks. You'll complete the exercises as part of a group. After the 12 weeks of exercise, you will have another set of assessments to see how your body and symptoms have changed. There are no medications involved in this study, only the exercise program. The total duration of your active participation, including assessments and the exercise program, will be about 12 weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in an exercise program like Les Mills Thrive could potentially benefit you by improving your muscle strength, balance, and possibly reducing the pain and stiffness associated with knee osteoarthritis. Regular exercise generally improves overall fitness and well-being. As with any exercise program, there's a small risk of muscle soreness or minor injury, but the exercises are designed to be safe and supervised. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University of the Fraser Valley
Verified postcode
Chilliwack, Canada

Common questions

What kind of exercise is 'Les Mills Thrive'?

It's a special group exercise program designed to help improve fitness and movement, especially for people managing conditions like osteoarthritis.

How long will I be exercising for?

The exercise program will last for 12 weeks in total.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study only involves exercise; there are no new medications to take.

What will researchers measure?

They will measure how your muscles work, your strength, balance, and ask you about your symptoms and daily activities.

Who can join this study?

Adults aged 19 and older with knee osteoarthritis who are generally healthy enough for exercise. There are some health conditions that would prevent participation.