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Preventing Osteoarthritis After a Sport or Activity Related Injury

The Problem

Many young athletes who injure their knees, especially through anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, are at risk of developing osteoarthritis early on in their life. This is problematic because osteoarthritis causes pain and disability, often impacting daily activities like going to work or school, or spending time with loved ones. Currently, there is no program that helps prevent the early onset of osteoarthritis after an ACL injury.

The Research

This clinical trial will test whether the Stop OsteoARthritis (SOAR) program, which includes online education, regular check-ins with a physiotherapist, and personalized exercise approaches, will better protect knee health compared to usual care, in young people recovering from ACL surgery. By monitoring knee function, pain, MRI results, and quality of life we will determine whether SOAR helps prevent early osteoarthritis.

The Impact

The SOAR program aims to reduce the risk of developing early osteoarthritis and improve long-term health for young people with knee injuries. Preventing osteoarthritis also reduces the need for costly total joint replacement surgeries.

Research Study

This project is testing whether the SOAR program, a structured education and physiotherapy-guided exercise program, will improve knee health and reduce the risk of early osteoarthritis in young Canadians after ACL surgery.

Learn More

Research Scientist

Jackie Whittaker

Senior Scientist, Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, BScPT, PhD

Dr. Jackie Whittaker is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, at the University of British Columbia and is recognized as a Clinical Specialist in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. She completed her BScPT degree at the University of Alberta, PhD in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation at the University of Southampton (UK) and a post-doctoral fellowship supported by an Alberta Innovates Health Solutions Clinician Fellowship in injury prevention and epidemiology at the University of Calgary. She has been an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Research Director of the Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic at the University of Alberta.

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