CClinicalTrials.gg
CompletedNCT05670314INSPIREUpdated Sep 16, 2025Results posted

lIfestyle iNterventionS for PaIn ReliEf (INSPIRE)

An interventional study of Inulin Fibre supplement and Maltodextrin (Placebo) in Osteoarthritis, Knee, sponsored by University of Nottingham. Completed at 1 site in United Kingdom. Open to participants aged 19 Years and older, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2025-09-16.

Sponsored by University of Nottingham · Not applicable, Interventional, and Basic science

From the registry’s dates

  • Registered 6 months after the study started (first participant enrolled May 2022, registered Nov 2022).
Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
117
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
19 Years and older
Sex
All
01

Study summary

This is a 2x2 factorial design randomised controlled trial in which participants with knee pain will be grouped into the diet intervention, exercise intervention, diet and exercise intervention or placebo arm. The study involves intake of dietary supplements and performing routine exercises which are commonly used and are not pharmacological agents. N= 117. 2x2 intervention with individuals per block: placebo (n=27), diet only (n=26), exercise only (n=40), diet + exercise (n=24)

02

Conditions studied

  • Osteoarthritis, Knee
03

In context

Osteoarthritis, Knee

3,302 studies on the registry are indexed under Osteoarthritis, Knee; 608 are open to participants now.

This study's enrollment of 117 is above the median of 70 across 2,731 interventional studies indexed under Osteoarthritis, Knee.

Browse Osteoarthritis, Knee studies →

Lead sponsor

University of Nottingham is the lead sponsor of 455 studies on the registry; 77 are open to participants now.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
19 Years and older
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

  • Participants with any pain in or around a knee on most days for more than 3 months
  • Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study
  • Participant eligibility includes those aged >18 years who have a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 39.9 kg/m2

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

The participant may not enter the study if ANY of the following apply:

  • Have psychosocial or gastrointestinal (e.g. malabsorptive conditions such as IBS/IBD, coeliac)
  • Are taking the following medications: immunosuppressants, anticoagulants, amiodarone and/or perhexiline
  • Are currently following or anticipated to commence a specialised commercially available weight loss diet and/or program
  • Pregnant or breast feeding
  • History or current psychiatric illness
  • History or current neurological condition (e.g. epilepsy)
  • Those undergoing revision, having severe hip OA, inflammatory arthropathies
  • Diagnosed non-OA cause of knee pain (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Neuropathy or diabetes mellitus
  • Having taken part in a research study in the last 3 months involving invasive procedures or an inconvenience allowance (this must remain for ALL UoN FMHS UREC approved studies)
05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Basic science
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
Double (Participant, Investigator)
Enrollment
117 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Placebo comparator
    Placebo arm

    The participants in the placebo/control arm will be required to take 10g of maltodextrin for the same period of 6 weeks.

    Dietary Supplement: Maltodextrin (Placebo)

  • Experimental
    Diet only Arm

    The participants in the dietary intervention arm will be required to take 20g of inulin for a period of 6 weeks.

    Dietary Supplement: Inulin Fibre supplement

  • Experimental
    Exercise only arm

    Joint Academy An app-based exercises platform (Joint Academy®) will be used as an intervention given to the treatment arm. The programme consists of a mixture of open and close chain exercises, a combination of concentric, eccentric and focusing on the global strength of legs including the muscles around the hips and knee joints as well as balance enhancement exercises. The intervention also includes educational sessions integrated into the programme covering the basics of OA, its treatment, self-managing symptoms of OA and the benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The exercise intervention focuses on core stability and performance, neuromuscular leg strengthening and balance enhancement.

    Behavioral: Exercise

  • Experimental
    Diet + exercise intervention arm

    The participants in this arm will be required to take 20g of inulin for a period of 6 weeks and doing exercise at the same time.

    Dietary Supplement: Inulin Fibre supplement · Behavioral: Exercise

Interventions

  • Dietary supplementInulin Fibre supplement

    20g/ day. Inulin is easily dissolvable in liquid and can be incorporated into the usual diet - by adding to water, juice, smoothies, cereal, yogurt etc.

  • Dietary supplementMaltodextrin (Placebo)

    10g/ day which can be consumed by adding to breakfast cereal/ smoothie/ yogurt or drink of choice

  • BehavioralExercise

    Joint Academy An app-based exercises platform (Joint Academy®) will be used as an intervention given to the treatment arm. The programme consists of a mixture of open and close chain exercises, a combination of concentric, eccentric and focusing on the global strength of legs including the muscles around the hips and knee joints as well as balance enhancement exercises.

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Numerical Rate Score (NRS) for Pain

    The Numerical Rate Score (NRS) will be used to assess the changes in the level of pain in response to the intervention between baseline and follow-up. Participants reported their pain on a scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 represents no pain and 10 the worst pain imaginable.

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Functional Outcome 30-seconds Sit-to-stand (30CST)

    Measures how many times a participant can rise from a chair to a full standing position in 30 seconds.

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

  2. Change in Functional Outcome Timed-up and go (TUG)

    Time in seconds to stand up, walk 3m, return, and sit. Average of 3 trials at baseline and follow-up (at the end of 6 weeks).

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

  3. Change in Functional Outcome Grip Strength

    Measured with dynamometer; average of 3 trials on dominant hand in seated position with participant applying as much grip pressure as possible on the dynamometer. The maximum reading (kg) in taken for each repetition.

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

  4. Change in Pain Sensitisation Outcome Temporal Summation (TS)

    Pain sensitisation will be measured using quantitative sensory testing (QST) to assess any changes in pain sensitisation indices from at baseline to follow-up. QST is a non-invasive method to assess pain sensitivity using standardised stimuli like mechanical pressure or sharpness. We used the QST modality temporal summation (TS). TS assesses sensitivity to sharpness by applying a brief "pinprick" stimulus (256 mN Pinprick; MRC-Systems, Heidelberg, Germany) to the skin with higher ratings potentially suggesting increased spinal cord pain sensitivity. A single stimulus was applied to the rectus femoris (5cm above the mid-point of the patella of the most painful knee), followed by 10 repetitive stimuli at 1/s. Participants rated pain/sharpness intensity on a 0-10 Visual Analogue Scale after both the single and the average of the repeated stimuli. Each test was performed twice, with a 2-minute break between repetitions and the average was taken.

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

  5. Changes in Pain Sensitisation Outcome Pressure Pain Detection Threshold (PPT) at the Superolateral Patella Site

    Pain sensitisation will be measured using quantitative sensory testing (QST) to assess any changes in pain sensitisation indices from at baseline to follow-up. QST is a non-invasive method to assess pain sensitivity using standardised stimuli like mechanical pressure or sharpness. We used the QST modality pressure pain detection threshold (PPT) at anatomical position: quadricep (2cm above superolateral edge of patella). PPT measures the lowest pressure a participant perceives as painful while pressure is applied using a handheld probe (Medoc-AlgoMed, Israel) at a rate of 50 kPa/s on the most painful knee, with lower PPT threshold suggestive of increased pain sensitivity.

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

  6. Changes in Pain Sensitisation Outcome Pressure Pain Detection Threshold (PPT) at the Superomedial Patella Site

    Pain sensitisation will be measured using quantitative sensory testing (QST) to assess any changes in pain sensitisation indices from at baseline to follow-up. QST is a non-invasive method to assess pain sensitivity using standardised stimuli like mechanical pressure or sharpness. We used the QST modality pressure pain detection threshold (PPT) at anatomical position: quadricep (2cm above superomedial edge of patella). PPT measures the lowest pressure a participant perceives as painful while pressure is applied using a handheld probe (Medoc-AlgoMed, Israel) at a rate of 50 kPa/s on the most painful knee, with lower PPT threshold suggestive of increased pain sensitivity.

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

  7. Changes in Pain Sensitisation Outcome Pressure Pain Detection Threshold (PPT) at the Medial Joint Line Site

    Pain sensitisation will be measured using quantitative sensory testing (QST) to assess any changes in pain sensitisation indices from abeline to follow-up. QST is a non-invasive method to assess pain sensitivity using standardised stimuli like mechanical pressure or sharpness. We used the QST modality pressure pain detection threshold (PPT) at the anatomical position: medial joint line (3cm medially from medial edge of patella). PPT measures the lowest pressure a participant perceives as painful while pressure is applied using a handheld probe (Medoc-AlgoMed, Israel) at a rate of 50 kPa/s on the most painful knee, with lower PPT threshold suggestive of increased pain sensitivity.

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

  8. Changes in Pain Sensitisation Outcome Pressure Pain Detection Threshold (PPT) at the Tibialis Anterior Muscle Site

    Pain sensitisation will be measured using quantitative sensory testing (QST) to assess any changes in pain sensitisation indices from at baseline to follow-up. QST is a non-invasive method to assess pain sensitivity using standardised stimuli like mechanical pressure or sharpness. We used the QST modality pressure pain detection threshold (PPT) at anatomical position: tibialis anterior (5 cm distal and 1 cm lateral to the tibial tuberosity). PPT measures the lowest pressure a participant perceives as painful while pressure is applied using a handheld probe (Medoc-AlgoMed, Israel) at a rate of 50 kPa/s on the most painful knee, with lower PPT threshold suggestive of increased pain sensitivity.

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

  9. Changes in Pain Sensitisation Outcome Pressure Pain Detection Threshold (PPT) at the Brachioradialis Muscle Site

    Pain sensitisation will be measured using quantitative sensory testing (QST) to assess any changes in pain sensitisation indices from baseline to follow-up. QST is a non-invasive method to assess pain sensitivity using standardised stimuli like mechanical pressure or sharpness. We used the QST modality pressure pain detection threshold (PPT) at anatomical position: brachioradialis (5 cm medial and distal to the lateral epicondyle) on the arm opposite the painful knee. PPT measures the lowest pressure a participant perceives as painful while pressure is applied using a handheld probe (Medoc-AlgoMed, Israel) at a rate of 50 kPa/s on the arm opposite the painful knee, with lower PPT threshold suggestive of increased pain sensitivity.

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

  10. Change in Short Chain Fatty Acid Butyric Acid

    Change in serum levels of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) butyric acid in response to the interventions. SCFA levels in serum will be measured using mass spectrometry.

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

  11. Change in Short Chain Fatty Acid Acetic Acid

    Change in serum levels of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) acetic acid in response to theinterventions. SCFA levels in serum will be measured using mass spectrometry.

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

  12. Change in Inflammatory Protein Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Levels

    Change in Interleukin-6 (IL-6) inflammatory protein levels measured with the Olink for a subset of individuals. For Olink cytokine assay panels data is reported in either Normalized Protein eXpression units (NPX) units or absolute concentration units (pg/mL), with the lower limit of detection typically below 1 pg/mL for most assays.

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

  13. Change in Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Inflammatory Protein Levels

    Change in Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) inflammatory protein levels measured with the Olink for a subset of individuals. For Olink cytokine assay panels data is reported in either Normalized Protein eXpression units (NPX) units or absolute concentration units (pg/mL), with the lower limit of detection typically below 1 pg/mL for most assays.

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

  14. Change in Inflammatory Protein Interferon Gamma (IFN-γ) Levels

    Change in Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) inflammatory protein levels measured with the Olink for a subset of individuals. For Olink cytokine assay panels data is reported in either Normalized Protein eXpression units (NPX) units or absolute concentration units (pg/mL), with the lower limit of detection typically below 1 pg/mL for most assays.

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

  15. Changes in Gut Microbiome (Shannon Diversity Index)

    The gut microbiome will be measured with shotgun metagenomic sequencing of stool samples and the Shannon Diversity Index will be calculated. The Shannon Diversity Index assesses both the richness (number of different species) and evenness (distribution of individuals among species) within the gut microbiome. A higher Shannon index indicates a more diverse microbiome, while a lower index suggests less diversity.

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

  16. Change in Serum Endocannabinoid Anandamide (AEA) Levels

    Serum levels of Endocannabinoid Anandamide (AEA) will be measured using mass spectrometry in samples collected at baseline and at follow-up (at the end of six weeks). This will help us ascertain the change in levels of Endocannabinoid Anandamide (AEA) in response to the intervention.

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

  17. Change in Serum 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) Endocannabinoid Levels

    Serum levels of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) Endocannabinoid will be measured using mass spectrometry in samples collected at baseline and at follow-up (at the end of six weeks). This will help us ascertain the change in levels of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) Endocannabinoid in response to the intervention.

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

  18. Changes in Calcium Voltage-gated Channel Subunit alpha1 B Gene Expression Levels Using Transcriptomics on a Subset of Individuals

    Transcriptomics will be measured using RNA sequencing of blood samples collected at baseline and at follow-up (at the end of six weeks). RNA was extracted from whole blood, and sequencing libraries were prepared and analysed using standard RNA-seq pipelines.

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

  19. Changes in Solute Carrier Family 12 Member 5 Gene Expression Levels Using Transcriptomics on a Subset of Individuals

    Transcriptomics will be measured using RNA sequencing of blood samples collected at baseline and at follow-up (at the end of six weeks). RNA was extracted from whole blood, and sequencing libraries were prepared and analysed using standard RNA-seq pipelines.

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

  20. Changes in Sodium Voltage-gated Channel Alpha Subunit 11 Gene Expression Levels Using Transcriptomics on a Subset of Individuals

    Transcriptomics will be measured using RNA sequencing of blood samples collected atbaseline and at follow-up (at the end of six weeks). RNA was extracted from whole blood,and sequencing libraries were prepared and analysed using standard RNA-seq pipelines.

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

07

Results

Posted Sep 16, 2025

Participant flow

Participant flow — Overall Study
MilestonePlacebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention Arm
Started27264024
Completed27264024
Not completed0000

Outcome measures

PrimaryChange in Numerical Rate Score (NRS) for Pain

The Numerical Rate Score (NRS) will be used to assess the changes in the level of pain in response to the intervention between baseline and follow-up. Participants reported their pain on a scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 represents no pain and 10 the worst pain imaginable.

Time frame:
Baseline and 6 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Change in Numerical Rate Score (NRS) for Pain
units on a scalePlacebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention Arm
Change in Numerical Rate Score (NRS) for Pain0.67 ± 2.49-0.73 ± 2.32-1.25 ± 2.69-1.21 ± 1.76
SecondaryChange in Functional Outcome 30-seconds Sit-to-stand (30CST)

Measures how many times a participant can rise from a chair to a full standing position in 30 seconds.

Time frame:
Baseline and 6 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · stands
Change in Functional Outcome 30-seconds Sit-to-stand (30CST)
standsPlacebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention Arm
Change in Functional Outcome 30-seconds Sit-to-stand (30CST)1.23 ± 1.672.12 ± 3.022.54 ± 3.383.21 ± 5.37
SecondaryChange in Functional Outcome Timed-up and go (TUG)

Time in seconds to stand up, walk 3m, return, and sit. Average of 3 trials at baseline and follow-up (at the end of 6 weeks).

Time frame:
Baseline and 6 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · seconds
Change in Functional Outcome Timed-up and go (TUG)
secondsPlacebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention Arm
Change in Functional Outcome Timed-up and go (TUG)-0.43 ± 1.06-1.19 ± 2.19-2.07 ± 5.82-0.78 ± 1.14
SecondaryChange in Functional Outcome Grip Strength

Measured with dynamometer; average of 3 trials on dominant hand in seated position with participant applying as much grip pressure as possible on the dynamometer. The maximum reading (kg) in taken for each repetition.

Time frame:
Baseline and 6 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · kg
Change in Functional Outcome Grip Strength
kgPlacebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention Arm
Change in Functional Outcome Grip Strength-1.43 ± 6.440.76 ± 3.420.02 ± 5.620.76 ± 3.42
SecondaryChange in Pain Sensitisation Outcome Temporal Summation (TS)

Pain sensitisation will be measured using quantitative sensory testing (QST) to assess any changes in pain sensitisation indices from at baseline to follow-up. QST is a non-invasive method to assess pain sensitivity using standardised stimuli like mechanical pressure or sharpness. We used the QST modality temporal summation (TS). TS assesses sensitivity to sharpness by applying a brief "pinprick" stimulus (256 mN Pinprick; MRC-Systems, Heidelberg, Germany) to the skin with higher ratings potentially suggesting increased spinal cord pain sensitivity. A single stimulus was applied to the rectus femoris (5cm above the mid-point of the patella of the most painful knee), followed by 10 repetitive stimuli at 1/s. Participants rated pain/sharpness intensity on a 0-10 Visual Analogue Scale after both the single and the average of the repeated stimuli. Each test was performed twice, with a 2-minute break between repetitions and the average was taken.

Time frame:
Baseline and 6 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Change in Pain Sensitisation Outcome Temporal Summation (TS)
units on a scalePlacebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention Arm
Change in Pain Sensitisation Outcome Temporal Summation (TS)0.30 ± 1.66-0.20 ± 1.52-0.17 ± 1.62-0.63 ± 2.01
SecondaryChanges in Pain Sensitisation Outcome Pressure Pain Detection Threshold (PPT) at the Superolateral Patella Site

Pain sensitisation will be measured using quantitative sensory testing (QST) to assess any changes in pain sensitisation indices from at baseline to follow-up. QST is a non-invasive method to assess pain sensitivity using standardised stimuli like mechanical pressure or sharpness. We used the QST modality pressure pain detection threshold (PPT) at anatomical position: quadricep (2cm above superolateral edge of patella). PPT measures the lowest pressure a participant perceives as painful while pressure is applied using a handheld probe (Medoc-AlgoMed, Israel) at a rate of 50 kPa/s on the most painful knee, with lower PPT threshold suggestive of increased pain sensitivity.

Time frame:
Baseline and 6 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · kPa
Changes in Pain Sensitisation Outcome Pressure Pain Detection Threshold (PPT) at the Superolateral Patella Site
kPaPlacebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention Arm
Changes in Pain Sensitisation Outcome Pressure Pain Detection Threshold (PPT) at the Superolateral Patella Site-87.19 ± 103.53-29.89 ± 175.35-92.74 ± 159.03-39.22 ± 240.27
SecondaryChanges in Pain Sensitisation Outcome Pressure Pain Detection Threshold (PPT) at the Superomedial Patella Site

Pain sensitisation will be measured using quantitative sensory testing (QST) to assess any changes in pain sensitisation indices from at baseline to follow-up. QST is a non-invasive method to assess pain sensitivity using standardised stimuli like mechanical pressure or sharpness. We used the QST modality pressure pain detection threshold (PPT) at anatomical position: quadricep (2cm above superomedial edge of patella). PPT measures the lowest pressure a participant perceives as painful while pressure is applied using a handheld probe (Medoc-AlgoMed, Israel) at a rate of 50 kPa/s on the most painful knee, with lower PPT threshold suggestive of increased pain sensitivity.

Time frame:
Baseline and 6 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · kPa
Changes in Pain Sensitisation Outcome Pressure Pain Detection Threshold (PPT) at the Superomedial Patella Site
kPaPlacebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention Arm
Changes in Pain Sensitisation Outcome Pressure Pain Detection Threshold (PPT) at the Superomedial Patella Site-46.73 ± 137.77-25.33 ± 122.58-41.25 ± 126.96-22.28 ± 131.10
SecondaryChanges in Pain Sensitisation Outcome Pressure Pain Detection Threshold (PPT) at the Medial Joint Line Site

Pain sensitisation will be measured using quantitative sensory testing (QST) to assess any changes in pain sensitisation indices from abeline to follow-up. QST is a non-invasive method to assess pain sensitivity using standardised stimuli like mechanical pressure or sharpness. We used the QST modality pressure pain detection threshold (PPT) at the anatomical position: medial joint line (3cm medially from medial edge of patella). PPT measures the lowest pressure a participant perceives as painful while pressure is applied using a handheld probe (Medoc-AlgoMed, Israel) at a rate of 50 kPa/s on the most painful knee, with lower PPT threshold suggestive of increased pain sensitivity.

Time frame:
Baseline and 6 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · kPa
Changes in Pain Sensitisation Outcome Pressure Pain Detection Threshold (PPT) at the Medial Joint Line Site
kPaPlacebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention Arm
Changes in Pain Sensitisation Outcome Pressure Pain Detection Threshold (PPT) at the Medial Joint Line Site-54.54 ± 132.90-31.72 ± 132.51-10.91 ± 149.56-24.02 ± 160.48
SecondaryChanges in Pain Sensitisation Outcome Pressure Pain Detection Threshold (PPT) at the Tibialis Anterior Muscle Site

Pain sensitisation will be measured using quantitative sensory testing (QST) to assess any changes in pain sensitisation indices from at baseline to follow-up. QST is a non-invasive method to assess pain sensitivity using standardised stimuli like mechanical pressure or sharpness. We used the QST modality pressure pain detection threshold (PPT) at anatomical position: tibialis anterior (5 cm distal and 1 cm lateral to the tibial tuberosity). PPT measures the lowest pressure a participant perceives as painful while pressure is applied using a handheld probe (Medoc-AlgoMed, Israel) at a rate of 50 kPa/s on the most painful knee, with lower PPT threshold suggestive of increased pain sensitivity.

Time frame:
Baseline and 6 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · kPa
Changes in Pain Sensitisation Outcome Pressure Pain Detection Threshold (PPT) at the Tibialis Anterior Muscle Site
kPaPlacebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention Arm
Changes in Pain Sensitisation Outcome Pressure Pain Detection Threshold (PPT) at the Tibialis Anterior Muscle Site-47.36 ± 160.31-17.57 ± 161.22-7.74 ± 122.59-20.66 ± 180.73
SecondaryChanges in Pain Sensitisation Outcome Pressure Pain Detection Threshold (PPT) at the Brachioradialis Muscle Site

Pain sensitisation will be measured using quantitative sensory testing (QST) to assess any changes in pain sensitisation indices from baseline to follow-up. QST is a non-invasive method to assess pain sensitivity using standardised stimuli like mechanical pressure or sharpness. We used the QST modality pressure pain detection threshold (PPT) at anatomical position: brachioradialis (5 cm medial and distal to the lateral epicondyle) on the arm opposite the painful knee. PPT measures the lowest pressure a participant perceives as painful while pressure is applied using a handheld probe (Medoc-AlgoMed, Israel) at a rate of 50 kPa/s on the arm opposite the painful knee, with lower PPT threshold suggestive of increased pain sensitivity.

Time frame:
Baseline and 6 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · kPa
Changes in Pain Sensitisation Outcome Pressure Pain Detection Threshold (PPT) at the Brachioradialis Muscle Site
kPaPlacebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention Arm
Changes in Pain Sensitisation Outcome Pressure Pain Detection Threshold (PPT) at the Brachioradialis Muscle Site-27.77 ± 107.82-69.33 ± 119.04-37.31 ± 95.64-25.75 ± 150.32
SecondaryChange in Short Chain Fatty Acid Butyric Acid

Change in serum levels of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) butyric acid in response to the interventions. SCFA levels in serum will be measured using mass spectrometry.

Time frame:
Baseline and 6 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · ng/ml
Change in Short Chain Fatty Acid Butyric Acid
ng/mlPlacebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention Arm
Change in Short Chain Fatty Acid Butyric Acid-36.67 ± 1082.93345.61 ± 434.30-233.17 ± 991.08769.14 ± 3413.58
SecondaryChange in Short Chain Fatty Acid Acetic Acid

Change in serum levels of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) acetic acid in response to theinterventions. SCFA levels in serum will be measured using mass spectrometry.

Time frame:
Baseline and 6 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · ng/ml
Change in Short Chain Fatty Acid Acetic Acid
ng/mlPlacebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention Arm
Change in Short Chain Fatty Acid Acetic Acid-869.59 ± 3744.05306.32 ± 1406.99-1081.01 ± 3561.43110.37 ± 3334.09
SecondaryChange in Inflammatory Protein Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Levels

Change in Interleukin-6 (IL-6) inflammatory protein levels measured with the Olink for a subset of individuals. For Olink cytokine assay panels data is reported in either Normalized Protein eXpression units (NPX) units or absolute concentration units (pg/mL), with the lower limit of detection typically below 1 pg/mL for most assays.

Time frame:
Baseline and 6 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · pg/mL
Change in Inflammatory Protein Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Levels
pg/mLPlacebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention Arm
Change in Inflammatory Protein Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Levels-1.85 ± 2.45-0.70 ± 2.12-0.25 ± 0.78-0.12 ± 1.92
SecondaryChange in Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Inflammatory Protein Levels

Change in Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) inflammatory protein levels measured with the Olink for a subset of individuals. For Olink cytokine assay panels data is reported in either Normalized Protein eXpression units (NPX) units or absolute concentration units (pg/mL), with the lower limit of detection typically below 1 pg/mL for most assays.

Time frame:
Baseline and 6 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · pg/mL
Change in Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Inflammatory Protein Levels
pg/mLPlacebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention Arm
Change in Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Inflammatory Protein Levels-0.52 ± 1.43-0.72 ± 1.92-0.39 ± 0.80-0.34 ± 1.78
SecondaryChange in Inflammatory Protein Interferon Gamma (IFN-γ) Levels

Change in Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) inflammatory protein levels measured with the Olink for a subset of individuals. For Olink cytokine assay panels data is reported in either Normalized Protein eXpression units (NPX) units or absolute concentration units (pg/mL), with the lower limit of detection typically below 1 pg/mL for most assays.

Time frame:
Baseline and 6 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · pg/mL
Change in Inflammatory Protein Interferon Gamma (IFN-γ) Levels
pg/mLPlacebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention Arm
Change in Inflammatory Protein Interferon Gamma (IFN-γ) Levels0.32 ± 1.720.04 ± 2.56-0.72 ± 1.25-0.36 ± 2.56
SecondaryChanges in Gut Microbiome (Shannon Diversity Index)

The gut microbiome will be measured with shotgun metagenomic sequencing of stool samples and the Shannon Diversity Index will be calculated. The Shannon Diversity Index assesses both the richness (number of different species) and evenness (distribution of individuals among species) within the gut microbiome. A higher Shannon index indicates a more diverse microbiome, while a lower index suggests less diversity.

Time frame:
Baseline and 6 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · index
Changes in Gut Microbiome (Shannon Diversity Index)
indexPlacebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention Arm
Changes in Gut Microbiome (Shannon Diversity Index)0.01 ± 0.26-0.07 ± 0.26-0.09 ± 0.31-0.08 ± 0.33
SecondaryChange in Serum Endocannabinoid Anandamide (AEA) Levels

Serum levels of Endocannabinoid Anandamide (AEA) will be measured using mass spectrometry in samples collected at baseline and at follow-up (at the end of six weeks). This will help us ascertain the change in levels of Endocannabinoid Anandamide (AEA) in response to the intervention.

Time frame:
Baseline and 6 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · nM
Change in Serum Endocannabinoid Anandamide (AEA) Levels
nMPlacebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention Arm
Change in Serum Endocannabinoid Anandamide (AEA) Levels0.32 ± 0.820.05 ± 0.660.05 ± 0.700.31 ± 0.77
SecondaryChange in Serum 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) Endocannabinoid Levels

Serum levels of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) Endocannabinoid will be measured using mass spectrometry in samples collected at baseline and at follow-up (at the end of six weeks). This will help us ascertain the change in levels of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) Endocannabinoid in response to the intervention.

Time frame:
Baseline and 6 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · nM
Change in Serum 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) Endocannabinoid Levels
nMPlacebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention Arm
Change in Serum 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) Endocannabinoid Levels35.45 ± 72.076.28 ± 44.1737.58 ± 78.1716.83 ± 79.10
SecondaryChanges in Calcium Voltage-gated Channel Subunit alpha1 B Gene Expression Levels Using Transcriptomics on a Subset of Individuals

Transcriptomics will be measured using RNA sequencing of blood samples collected at baseline and at follow-up (at the end of six weeks). RNA was extracted from whole blood, and sequencing libraries were prepared and analysed using standard RNA-seq pipelines.

Time frame:
Baseline and 6 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · fold change
Changes in Calcium Voltage-gated Channel Subunit alpha1 B Gene Expression Levels Using Transcriptomics on a Subset of Individuals
fold changeExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention Arm
Changes in Calcium Voltage-gated Channel Subunit alpha1 B Gene Expression Levels Using Transcriptomics on a Subset of Individuals26.37 ± 79.6049.50 ± 140.48
SecondaryChanges in Solute Carrier Family 12 Member 5 Gene Expression Levels Using Transcriptomics on a Subset of Individuals

Transcriptomics will be measured using RNA sequencing of blood samples collected at baseline and at follow-up (at the end of six weeks). RNA was extracted from whole blood, and sequencing libraries were prepared and analysed using standard RNA-seq pipelines.

Time frame:
Baseline and 6 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · fold change
Changes in Solute Carrier Family 12 Member 5 Gene Expression Levels Using Transcriptomics on a Subset of Individuals
fold changeExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention Arm
Changes in Solute Carrier Family 12 Member 5 Gene Expression Levels Using Transcriptomics on a Subset of Individuals14.02 ± 41.6020.75 ± 59.51
SecondaryChanges in Sodium Voltage-gated Channel Alpha Subunit 11 Gene Expression Levels Using Transcriptomics on a Subset of Individuals

Transcriptomics will be measured using RNA sequencing of blood samples collected atbaseline and at follow-up (at the end of six weeks). RNA was extracted from whole blood,and sequencing libraries were prepared and analysed using standard RNA-seq pipelines.

Time frame:
Baseline and 6 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · fold change
Changes in Sodium Voltage-gated Channel Alpha Subunit 11 Gene Expression Levels Using Transcriptomics on a Subset of Individuals
fold changeExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention Arm
Changes in Sodium Voltage-gated Channel Alpha Subunit 11 Gene Expression Levels Using Transcriptomics on a Subset of Individuals12.26 ± 33.7031.97 ± 90.21

Adverse events

Collected over Day 1 through Day 42 (daily assessments, 7 days/week). Non-serious events are listed at a 0% frequency threshold.

Adverse event summary by group
GroupDeathsSeriousOther
Placebo Arm0/27 (0%)0/27 (0%)0/27 (0%)
Diet Only Arm0/26 (0%)0/26 (0%)10/26 (38.5%)
Exercise Only Arm0/40 (0%)0/40 (0%)0/40 (0%)
Diet + Exercise Intervention Arm0/24 (0%)0/24 (0%)13/24 (54.2%)
Most frequent other events
Most frequent other events
EventPlacebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention Arm
Wind and bloatingGastrointestinal disorders0/2710/260/4013/24

Baseline characteristics

A completers analysis was conducted using the participant numbers shown below.

Age, Continuous
Age, Continuous(Years)Placebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention ArmTotal
Mean69.59 ± 6.4166.54 ± 11.3967.75 ± 10.2266.71 ± 8.4467.69 ± 9.48
Sex: Female, Male
Sex: Female, Male(Participants)Placebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention ArmTotal
Female1414261468
Male1312141049
Race and Ethnicity Not Collected
Race and Ethnicity Not Collected(Participants)Placebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention ArmTotal
Count of participants————0
Body mass index
Body mass index(kg/m2)Placebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention ArmTotal
Mean29.60 ± 4.6530.15 ± 3.7529.00 ± 7.1529.60 ± 4.6529.48 ± 5.32
Pain Numerical Rating Scale
Pain Numerical Rating Scale(units on a scale)Placebo ArmDiet Only ArmExercise Only ArmDiet + Exercise Intervention ArmTotal
Mean3.52 ± 2.774.06 ± 2.854.21 ± 2.883.92 ± 1.753.96 ± 2.67
08

Study locations

1 site
  • University of Nottingham
    Nottingham, Nottinghamshire NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
09

References and documents

Publications

  • Cui A, Li H, Wang D, Zhong J, Chen Y, Lu H. Global, regional prevalence, incidence and risk factors of knee osteoarthritis in population-based studies. EClinicalMedicine. 2020 Nov 26;29-30:100587. doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100587. eCollection 2020 Dec. PubMed 34505846 ↗
  • Yu D, Peat G, Bedson J, Jordan KP. Annual consultation incidence of osteoarthritis estimated from population-based health care data in England. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2015 Nov;54(11):2051-60. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/kev231. Epub 2015 Jul 9. PubMed 26163287 ↗
  • Moseng T, Vliet Vlieland TPM, Battista S, Beckwee D, Boyadzhieva V, Conaghan PG, Costa D, Doherty M, Finney AG, Georgiev T, Gobbo M, Kennedy N, Kjeken I, Kroon FPB, Lohmander LS, Lund H, Mallen CD, Pavelka K, Pitsillidou IA, Rayman MP, Tveter AT, Vriezekolk JE, Wiek D, Zanoli G, Osteras N. EULAR recommendations for the non-pharmacological core management of hip and knee osteoarthritis: 2023 update. Ann Rheum Dis. 2024 May 15;83(6):730-740. doi: 10.1136/ard-2023-225041. PubMed 38212040 ↗
  • Jonsson T, Eek F, Dell'Isola A, Dahlberg LE, Ekvall Hansson E. The Better Management of Patients with Osteoarthritis Program: Outcomes after evidence-based education and exercise delivered nationwide in Sweden. PLoS One. 2019 Sep 19;14(9):e0222657. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222657. eCollection 2019. PubMed 31536554 ↗
  • Gohir SA, Eek F, Kelly A, Abhishek A, Valdes AM. Effectiveness of Internet-Based Exercises Aimed at Treating Knee Osteoarthritis: The iBEAT-OA Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2021 Feb 1;4(2):e210012. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.0012. PubMed 33620447 ↗
  • Zhang S, Wang D, Zhao J, Zhao H, Xie P, Zheng L, Sheng P, Yuan J, Xia B, Wei F, Zhang Z. Metabolic syndrome increases osteoarthritis risk: findings from the UK Biobank prospective cohort study. BMC Public Health. 2024 Jan 19;24(1):233. doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-17682-z. PubMed 38243159 ↗
  • Brain K, Burrows TL, Rollo ME, Chai LK, Clarke ED, Hayes C, Hodson FJ, Collins CE. A systematic review and meta-analysis of nutrition interventions for chronic noncancer pain. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2019 Apr;32(2):198-225. doi: 10.1111/jhn.12601. Epub 2018 Oct 7. PubMed 30294938 ↗
  • Fortuna R, Wang W, Mayengbam S, Tuplin EWN, Sampsell K, Sharkey KA, Hart DA, Reimer RA. Effect of prebiotic fiber on physical function and gut microbiota in adults, mostly women, with knee osteoarthritis and obesity: a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Nutr. 2024 Sep;63(6):2149-2161. doi: 10.1007/s00394-024-03415-w. Epub 2024 May 7. PubMed 38713231 ↗
  • Woodhams SG, Sagar DR, Burston JJ, Chapman V. The role of the endocannabinoid system in pain. Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2015;227:119-43. doi: 10.1007/978-3-662-46450-2_7. PubMed 25846617 ↗
  • Ding W, You Z, Chen Q, Yang L, Doheny J, Zhou X, Li N, Wang S, Hu K, Chen L, Xia S, Wu X, Wang C, Zhang C, Chen L, Ritchie C, Huang P, Mao J, Shen S. Gut Microbiota Influences Neuropathic Pain Through Modulating Proinflammatory and Anti-inflammatory T Cells. Anesth Analg. 2021 Apr 1;132(4):1146-1155. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000005155. PubMed 32889847 ↗
  • Millar B, McWilliams DF, Abhishek A, Akin-Akinyosoye K, Auer DP, Chapman V, Doherty M, Ferguson E, Gladman JRF, Greenhaff P, Stocks J, Valdes AM, Walsh DA. Investigating musculoskeletal health and wellbeing; a cohort study protocol. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2020 Mar 21;21(1):182. doi: 10.1186/s12891-020-03195-4. PubMed 32199451 ↗
  • Karandikar N, Vargas OO. Kinetic chains: a review of the concept and its clinical applications. PM R. 2011 Aug;3(8):739-45. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2011.02.021. PubMed 21871418 ↗
  • Hjermstad MJ, Fayers PM, Haugen DF, Caraceni A, Hanks GW, Loge JH, Fainsinger R, Aass N, Kaasa S; European Palliative Care Research Collaborative (EPCRC). Studies comparing Numerical Rating Scales, Verbal Rating Scales, and Visual Analogue Scales for assessment of pain intensity in adults: a systematic literature review. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2011 Jun;41(6):1073-93. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2010.08.016. PubMed 21621130 ↗
  • Roberts HC, Denison HJ, Martin HJ, Patel HP, Syddall H, Cooper C, Sayer AA. A review of the measurement of grip strength in clinical and epidemiological studies: towards a standardised approach. Age Ageing. 2011 Jul;40(4):423-9. doi: 10.1093/ageing/afr051. Epub 2011 May 30. PubMed 21624928 ↗
  • Barry E, Galvin R, Keogh C, Horgan F, Fahey T. Is the Timed Up and Go test a useful predictor of risk of falls in community dwelling older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Geriatr. 2014 Feb 1;14:14. doi: 10.1186/1471-2318-14-14. PubMed 24484314 ↗
  • Jones CJ, Rikli RE, Beam WC. A 30-s chair-stand test as a measure of lower body strength in community-residing older adults. Res Q Exerc Sport. 1999 Jun;70(2):113-9. doi: 10.1080/02701367.1999.10608028. PubMed 10380242 ↗
  • Arant KR, Katz JN, Neogi T. Quantitative sensory testing: identifying pain characteristics in patients with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2022 Jan;30(1):17-31. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2021.09.011. Epub 2021 Sep 28. PubMed 34597800 ↗
  • Zigmond AS, Snaith RP. The hospital anxiety and depression scale. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 1983 Jun;67(6):361-70. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.1983.tb09716.x. PubMed 6880820 ↗
  • Thorstensson CA, Garellick G, Rystedt H, Dahlberg LE. Better Management of Patients with Osteoarthritis: Development and Nationwide Implementation of an Evidence-Based Supported Osteoarthritis Self-Management Programme. Musculoskeletal Care. 2015 Jun;13(2):67-75. doi: 10.1002/msc.1085. Epub 2014 Oct 24. PubMed 25345913 ↗
  • Luan L, El-Ansary D, Adams R, Wu S, Han J. Knee osteoarthritis pain and stretching exercises: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Physiotherapy. 2022 Mar;114:16-29. doi: 10.1016/j.physio.2021.10.001. Epub 2021 Oct 11. PubMed 35091326 ↗

Study documents

  • Protocol and statistical analysis plan · Jul 19, 2023

Documents are hosted by the registry — open the source record to download them.

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No — To comply with the data protection act, personal data will be deleted as soon as possible after it is no longer needed for the study.

10

Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Sep 16, 2025, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
11

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT05670314
Lead sponsor
University of Nottingham
Responsible party
Sponsor
First posted
Jan 4, 2023
Start date
May 1, 2022
Primary completion
Feb 25, 2025
Completion
Feb 25, 2025
Results posted
Sep 16, 2025
Last update
Sep 16, 2025

Study contacts

Ana Valdes, PhD
principal investigator · Professor in Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

Not currently enrolling

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