STUDY ASSESSMENTS

FIRST, all individuals in both groups will complete the following initial assessments. These tests will be repeated at interim (3-months) and study end (10-months).

QUESTIONNAIRES

Questionnaires about your knee arthritis management and symptoms

BODY COMPOSITION

A safe and painless body scan that measures bone, muscle, and fat in your body (DXA scan)

ENERGY METABOLISM TEST

A breathing test that estimates your energy metabolism (how much energy your body needs each day)

PHYSICAL FUNCTION TESTS

Includes a 6-minute walk indoors, chair sit-to-stands, and maximal handgrip strength

ULTRASOUND

Measurement of your thigh muscle quality

BLOOD DRAW

Assessment of your insulin, glucose, lipids, and inflammation levels performed by a DynaLIFE technician

MEASUREMENTS

Includes measurements of your height, weight, waist, and calf circumference

AFTER the initial assessments, the research team will ask you to complete the following study activities according to the group you are randomly assigned to:

Usual Care Group

If you are randomly assigned to the usual care group:

During the first 3-months, you will:

  • Complete your usual activities, including your regular routine for eating and activity

After the 3-months, you will:

  • Continue to complete your usual activities, including your regular routine for eating and activity
  • Receive a phone call from a member of the research team every 2 months to provide support and encouragement. You will also be asked to answer a standard set of questions.

At 10-months, you will

  • Receive all the results from the testing you have completed (including body composition and energy metabolism assessments)
  • Receive free personalized consultations with both the clinical exercise physiologist (CEP) and registered dietitian (RD) to develop an exercise and nutrition program to meet your needs and goals

Intervention Group

If you are randomly assigned to the intervention group:

During the first 3-months, you will:

  • Participate in progressive resistance exercises 3x/week. You can choose to participate in home exercise via videoconferencing (equipment can be loaned to you) or in-person small group exercise sessions at the University of Alberta (Li Ka Shing - First Floor). Sessions will be led by a clinical exercise physiologist (CEP).
  • Attend biweekly (once every 2 weeks) nutrition education and discussion sessions led by a registered dietitian (RD). Sessions held via zoom videoconferencing, scheduled on weekday evenings.
  • Attend biweekly (once every 2 weeks) arthritis self-management support group sessions led by an occupational therapist (OT). Sessions held via zoom videoconferencing, scheduled on weekday evenings.
  • NOTE: Initial consultation with a CEP and RD will be provided in order to personalize the intervention for your needs

After 3-months, you will:

  • Maintain the exercise, nutrition, and self-management routine to your best ability for an additional 6-month period (to the study endpoint of ten months).
  • Receive a phone call from a member of the research team every 2 months to provide support or advice as needed. You will also be asked to answer a standard set of questions.

At 10-months, you will:

  • Receive all the results from the testing you have completed (including body composition and energy metabolism assessments)