The Arthritis Newsletter
Spring 2015Keeping You Moving with Knee Osteoarthritis
What better way to investigate how to keep moving with knee osteoarthritis (OA) than to pay a visit to movement experts. Two APAB members were extended an invitation to visit Dr. Michael Hunt’s Motion Analysis and Biofeedback Lab (MAB) at the UBC Hospital. We were very interested to hear more about his current research focus on knee OA. We learned that a number of studies examine non- invasive treatments (no drugs or surgery) to improve muscle and joint efficiency and function. The goal is to avoid, delay or postpone knee replacements by improving joint loading. Dr. Hunt cautioned that anytime you look to improve or change a movement pattern you need proper instruction and slow progression.
The lab has a number of ongoing studies which hope to measure the effect of these non-invasive treatments on pain, function, and joint load in people with OA. This is an opportunity to participate and learn more. If you are interested, and to see if you qualify, visit the MAB Lab site: www.ubc-mablab.ca
Knee OA Walking Program – Gait modification
The use of 3D motion analysis to estimate joint loading and then change walking patterns to reduce the load on the joint. The program aims to increase walking characteristics and overall daily activity by the end of the program. http://mablab.rehab.med.ubc.ca/currentstudies/knee-osteoarthritis-walking-program/
Knee OA Standing Balance Study
You will be offered a balance training program to help with function and reduce the risk of falling
Shoe Orthotics for Knee OA
Testing different orthotics and measuring the effect they have on your knee pain. You will be provided with 2 free pairs of custom-fitted orthotics to keep after the six-month study.
http://mablab.rehab.med.ubc.ca/currentstudies/shoe-orthotics-for-knee-osteoarthritis-study/