Investigating the Mechanisms of Intramuscular Collagen Accumulation in Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis

Start and end date:

Current – February 25, 2026

Overview 

Individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA) have been shown to exhibit higher levels of intramuscular collagen compared to those without osteoarthritis. Increased intramuscular collagen has been associated with compromised muscle health, reduced strength, and impaired responsiveness to exercise. However, the underlying cause of this collagen accumulation remains unclear. This research aims to investigate the mechanisms driving intramuscular collagen accumulation in individuals with knee osteoarthritis, with the goal of improving muscle health and enhancing adaptation to exercise.

What will be done?

1. A DXA scan to assess body composition and bone mineral density
2. Aerobic fitness testing on a stationary bicycle
3. Lower body strength testing
4. Two muscle biopsies from your quadriceps (thigh) muscle

Participation in this study includes

1. Three visits to the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver Campus (~5-hour total time commitment)
2. Two exercise testing sessions
3. Two muscle biopsies

Who can participate?

YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE IF YOU:

• Can understand and communicate in English
• Are 30 years of age or older
• Have a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis and are scheduled or on the waitlist for total knee arthroplasty related to this diagnosis. If currently receiving injections into the knee joint, must be willing to go at least 65 days without them. If currently taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), you must be willing to stop taking this medication for at least four days before the first muscle biopsy.

Want to find out more?

If you have questions about the study, please email Ally Schweitzer at allyson.schweitzer@ubc.ca.

This study has been approved by the University of British Columbia’s Research Ethics Board.