Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

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

Knee arthritis can cause a lot of pain and difficulty, but gentle exercise is often recommended. Running is a popular activity with many health benefits, but it's not always clear if it's suitable for people with knee arthritis. Previous research has mainly looked at experienced runners. This new study, called GORUN, aims to understand how starting a running program affects knee joints in people who are new to running. We'll be looking at both individuals with knee arthritis and those with healthy knees to see how their bodies, particularly their knees, respond to increasing their running over time.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of British Columbia

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2030

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Knee

What is this study about?

The GORUN study is looking into how starting to run affects the health of your knees, especially if you have knee arthritis. Knee arthritis is a common condition that can make your knees painful and stiff. While exercise is generally good for arthritis, many people wonder if running might actually make their knee pain worse. Some studies have suggested that running might not be as bad for knees as once thought, even for those with arthritis, but most of this research has focused on people who have been running for a long time.

This study is different because it's focusing on people who are new to running. We want to understand what happens to their knee joints as they gradually start to run more. By studying both people with knee arthritis and those with healthy knees, we hope to learn if running can be a safe and helpful way for anyone to stay active, and specifically for those managing knee arthritis.

Ultimately, the goal of this research is to provide clearer advice for people with knee arthritis. We want to find out if taking up running can be a good option for improving their overall health and managing their knee condition, in a way that doesn't put their knees at risk.

Key takeaways

This study explores how new runners' knees respond to running.
It aims to see if running is safe for knees, including those with arthritis.
You don't need to be an experienced runner to participate.
The study involves starting a gentle, gradual running program.
Findings could help provide better advice on exercise for knee health.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you should either be new to running (meaning you've been running for less than six months and less than 5 kilometres a week) or you haven't started running yet. You also need to be able to comfortably walk and run on a treadmill for at least 30 minutes.

If you have knee arthritis, your arthritis needs to have been confirmed by an X-ray, and you should have had frequent knee pain in the last three months. If you don't have knee arthritis, your X-rays should show no signs of it, and you should have had no knee pain for at least the past three months.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. These include having other types of arthritis (like gout or rheumatoid arthritis), any health condition that stops you from exercising or moving normally (apart from knee arthritis in the arthritis group), or if you can't have an MRI scan safely (for example due to certain metal implants, recent surgery, or if you are pregnant).

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 you been running for less than 6 months, or not at all?
Can you comfortably run and walk on a treadmill for 30 minutes?
If you have knee pain, has it been confirmed as arthritis by an X-ray?
Do you have any metal in your body that might affect an MRI scan?
Are you pregnant or think you might be?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Details about taking part in the GORUN study will be provided by the research team. Generally, studies like this involve several visits to a clinic or research centre. These visits might include physical assessments, X-rays if not already taken, and potentially MRI scans to look closely at your knee joints. You would be asked to follow a gradual running plan that the study team will provide. The study aims to see how your knees respond to an increase in your running over a certain period, and you would have follow-up appointments to check on your progress and knee health. The total length of your participation would be explained by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in research can sometimes offer a chance to learn more about your health and contribute to medical knowledge, which may help others in the future. There might be a small risk of discomfort or minor injury related to starting a new running programme, or from study procedures like MRI scans. The research team will take every precaution to ensure your safety and comfort. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Motion Analysis and Biofeedback Laboratory, The University of British Columbia
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada

Common questions

What is knee osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition where the cartilage (the smooth substance at the end of your bones) in your knee wears down over time, which can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Do I need to be a good runner to join?

No, quite the opposite! This study is specifically for people who are new to running, or who haven't started running consistently yet.

Will I have to run a marathon?

Absolutely not. The study focuses on a gradual increase in running, starting at a very low level consistent with a new runner. You will not be asked to run long distances.

Will I get paid to take part?

Details about any compensation for travel or time will be provided by the study team when you inquire about participation.

Who is running this study?

The GORUN study is being conducted by researchers to better understand knee health and running.

How to find out more

Natasha Krowchuk, BSc

natasha.krowchuk@ubc.ca 604-822-7948 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.