The purpose of this superiority randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the effect of daily knee sleeve use on 5-year radiographic knee osteoarthritis progression and knee-related symptoms in older adults with chronic knee pain. The investigators will recruit 235 individuals aged 50-64 years at baseline with chronic (≥ 3 months) knee pain, randomized to daily use of an elasticized fabric knee sleeve versus no knee sleeve use. Participants will have knee radiographs at baseline and year 5 and will complete a survey including Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales for pain, knee function and quality of life at 3 months and annually. A prespecified interim analysis of the 1-year KOOS subscore data will be performed.
Aged 50-64 years at the time of his/her baseline eligibility screening
Unilateral or bilateral chronic (≥ 3 months) knee pain
Knee circumference between 12" (30 cm) and 22" (56 cm) measured over center of kneecap; or if a larger size is needed, thigh circumference up to 28" (71 cm) measured at 4" ABOVE center of knee cap per manufacturers' size specifications for the knee sleeves used in the intervention
English-speaking and able to provide informed consent for study participation
History of knee replacement surgery in the painful/affected knee(s)
Knee replacement surgery or arthroscopic procedure scheduled or anticipated in the affected knee(s) within 1 year after study eligibility screening
Self-reported history or medical documentation of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or other inflammatory arthritis in any joint; peripheral arterial disease or other vascular or circulatory disorder; blood clotting disorder; bleeding disorder or self-reported easy bruising; current treatment with an anticoagulant or antiplatelet agent; immobility; nonambulatory status; knee ligament tear or rupture; or lower extremity fracture requiring internal or external fixation within 1 year before study eligibility screening
History of unprovoked falls
Margaret L Gourlay, MD, MPH
Lead sponsor
Knee Sleeve Trial Collaborative, LLC
Sponsor institution
Knee Sleeve Trial Collaborative, LLC
Collaborator