PROP-OA

PROvision of braces for Patients with knee OsteoArthritis (PROP OA): a randomised controlled trial

PROP OA logo

Summary

The PROP-OA study is a clinical trial that is testing advice, exercise and knee braces in older adults.

Knee pain affects 1 in 4 people aged over 45 years. The most common cause is osteoarthritis, although many people will manage their symptoms without getting the diagnosis. The condition and its symptoms vary a lot from one person to another. It can be difficult coping with pain and other symptoms (particularly sudden, unpredictable episodes), trying to maintain or adapt daily activities, and dealing with frustration and uncertainty about the future. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but with treatment, symptoms can be improved allowing people to stay active. Wearing a knee brace could help by reducing the load going through the joint and improving its stability. However, there are mixed reports about whether knee braces do actually help. 

Our goal with this research study is to show whether wearing a knee brace provides more relief for people with painful knee osteoarthritis than having education, advice and exercise instruction alone, and whether this is good value for money for the NHS.

Chief Investigator:  
Associate Investigator:

Dr Mel Holden

Trial Manager: Dr Liz Hartshorne
Sponsor / reference number: Keele University / RG-0168-17
Funder / reference number: NIHR HTA / 16/160/03
UKCRN study portfolio reference number:

39562

Registration reference number:

ISRCTN28555470

Start date: 1 Sep 2018
End date:  30 Nov 2022

Study design

This is a Randomised Controlled Trial.

Aim and objectives

To show whether wearing a knee brace provides more relief for people with painful osteoarthritis of the knee than just having best primary care (education, advice and exercise) and whether this is good value for money for the NHS.

Publications

Protocol paper: Clinical and cost-effectiveness of bracing in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis management: protocol for a multicentre, primary care, randomised, parallel-group, superiority trial