The GORUN Study: Gradual Onset of RUNning and Knee Joint Health in Novice Runners
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Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- University of British Columbia
- Trial code
- NCT07528885
- Record updated
- 14 April 2026
- Original description
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating disease affecting millions worldwide. Exercise is a core treatment for knee OA, and is advocated by all clinical guidelines. Running is a common exercise that is accessible and evokes a number of positive physical and psychological benefits. However, the appropriateness of recreational running in the presence of knee OA is unclear.Read full original descriptionShow less
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating disease affecting millions worldwide. Exercise is a core treatment for knee OA, and is advocated by all clinical guidelines. Running is a common exercise that is accessible and evokes a number of positive physical and psychological benefits. However, the appropriateness of recreational running in the presence of knee OA is unclear.
A growing literature base appears to suggest that running may not be deleterious to the health - especially at the knee joint - of people with knee OA. Our recent research has focused on examining a number of health outcomes relevant to knee OA in older individuals with knee OA, but has been limited to experienced runners. This study will address that limitation by focusing on how novice (new) runners respond to a new running program.
Inclusion: have been running consistently for no more than six months at time of enrolment, with a cumulative weekly volume of less than 5 kilometres OR have yet to take up recreational running consistently; are comfortable running and walking on a treadmill for at least 30 minutes; have definitive knee OA as diagnosed using x-rays; report having experienced frequent knee pain over the past 3 months; have no evidence of knee OA based on x-rays; have had pain-free knees for at least the past 3 months.
Exclusion: recent surgery or tattoos within the past 6 weeks; have an inflammatory arthritic condition (e.g. gout or rheumatoid arthritis); have a presence of any health condition (other than OA in the knee OA group) affecting normal movement or that precludes engaging in moderate to high impact activities such as running; Additionally, exclusion criteria based on MRI safety:; presence of metallic implants (including pace makers, brain aneurysm clips, stents, cochlear implants, artificial heart valves, and prostheses); cannot safely fit into the MRI scanner; current or possible pregnancy; electrical stimulator for nerves or bones; infusion pumps; shrapnel or other metallic fragments; non-removable metallic jewellry.