Comparing Effects of Upper Extremity Versus Lower Extremity Exercise on Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia in People With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Cross-over Study
The objective of the study is to explore the effects of arm exercise (UE, arm ergometer) vs. leg exercise (LE, cycling ergometer) on exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH), central pain mechanisms and knee pain in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Furthermore, we will explore relations of socioeconomic status, racial discrimination, acculturative stress, and autonomic function to exercise effects on EIH, central pain mechanisms, and knee pain. This will be a pilot randomized cross-over study where all participants undergo Day 1 (baseline assessments), Day 2 (UE or LE), and Day 3 (UE or LE).
⁃ We will recruit participants with knee OA, using the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's clinical diagnostic criteria, which does not require radiographs. The clinical diagnostic criteria include:
• age ≥45
• activity-related knee pain
• either no morning joint-related stiffness or stiffness that lasts ≤ 30 minutes.
• knee pain at least 4 on a 0-10 pain scale
• knee pain as a chief complaint if having multiple pain
• understand English