Train High Eat Low for Osteoarthritis study (THE LO study): protocol for a randomized controlled trial

This article provides the rationale and methodology for THE LO study (Train High, Eat Low for Osteoarthritis), which is a randomized controlled trial that is investigating the effects of a unique, targeted lifestyle intervention in overweight/obese adults with symptomatic medial knee OA. Research question Compared to a control group given only lifestyle advice, do the effects of the following interventions result in significant reductions in the knee adduction moment: (1) gait retraining; and (2) combined intervention (which involves a combination of three interventions: (a) gait retraining, (b) high-intensity progressive resistance training, and (c) high-protein/low-glycaemic-index energy-restricted diet)? It is hypothesized that the combined intervention group will be superior to the isolated interventions of the high-protein/low-glycaemic-index diet group and the progressive resistance training group. Finally, it is hypothesized that the combined intervention will result in a greater range of improvements in secondary outcomes, including: muscle strength, functional status, body composition, metabolic profile, and psychological wellbeing, compared to any of the isolated interventions or control group. Design Single-blinded, randomized controlled trial adhering to the CONSORT guidelines on conduct and reporting of non-pharmacological clinical trials. Participants One hundred and twenty-five community-dwelling people are being recruited. Inclusion criteria include: med...
Source: Journal of Physiotherapy - Category: Physiotherapy Source Type: research