Hip and knee osteoarthritis clinical trial in Australia

The University of Sydney’s CASCADE-OA study is researching an intervention for hip or knee osteoarthritis.

CASCADE-OA is a study looking at whether a self-guided physical activity program, designed for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis can improve physical activity levels. Those who are eligible will have a 50/50 chance of being randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group A - participants will be provided with a self-guided 12 week physical activity program and a Fitbit to wear daily; or Group B - participants will continue with daily activities while wearing the Fitbit as provided.

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Participant Information Sheet

What does the study aim to acheive?

Aim 1

To test the effectiveness of the self-guided 12 week program on physical activity levels.

Aim 2

To determine if the new program can be successfully implemented in Australia and help with reducing OA symptoms and improving quality of life for those living with OA.

Who can take part?

The study is suitable for people who:

  • Are aged 45 years or older

  • Have activity-related hip or knee pain

  • Are willing to participate in a self-guided activity program

    • Be able to read and understand English.

    • Reside in Australia for the next 12 months.

    • Do not have either morning-related joint stiffness and any morning-related joint stiffness that lasts longer than 30 minutes.

    • Be able to walk for at least 10 minutes at any pace/intensity (aided or unaided).

    • Have access to a GPS-tracking smartphone.

    • Have internet access.

  • Participants must not:

    • Have co-existing inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis or gout)

    • Currently be doing at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity OR 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week

Interested in joining the clinical trial?

Read more about the study in our participant information form and complete the screening survey to see if you’re eligible.

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CASCADE-OA osteoarthritis study FAQs

  • A: The study is currently open for recruitment. Click on “Join the study” and you will be taken to the study screening survey.

  • A: If you are interested in joining the study, first you will need to complete the online screening survey. The online screening survey will assess if the study might be suitable for you.

    After you submit the online screening survey and you are considered potentially eligible, a member of the study team will be in contact with you to explain the next steps of the screening process.

  • A: If you are eligible for the study and have completed initial study requirements, you will be randomly allocated to one of two groups.

    Group A - participants will be provided with a self-guided physical activity program and a Fitbit; or Group B - Fitbit only.

    You will be notified which group you are assigned to via email once you have been randomised.

  • A: None! The entire study is online. You will need to complete questionnaires online via email invitations at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months and 12 months after you start the study.

  • A: Once you have enrolled into study, the questionnaires will be automatically sent to your email address.

  • A: No, this is a randomised trial meaning that participants are allocated to either group by a computer-generated sequence.

  • A: The Fitbit will be provided by the study and posted to your nominated postal address.

  • A: For the duration of the study, you will be required to wear the study-supplied Fitbit. You may wear both devices at the same time if it is comfortable for you to do so.

  • A: We will send a detailed user guide with the Fitbit explaining how to set up, register and charge the device.

  • A: Once you have completed the study at 12 months, the Fitbit is yours to keep. You can also choose to reset your Fitbit data for personal use. The instructions for these will be sent to you after you have completed the study.

  • A: Yes, the study is conducted online, therefore all eligible participants residing in Australia for the next 12 months can participate.

  • A: Depending on what health conditions you have and how it may impact your physical ability, we can assess on a case-by-case basis. If you have hip or knee osteoarthritis, we encourage you to fill out the screening survey so that we can accurately assess this.

  • A: No, you will not be reimbursed for your participation. However, you can keep the study Fitbit after you have completed the study.

Ready to join the CASCADE-OA hip and knee osteoarthritis study?

Is your chronic hip or knee pain impacting your daily life? We may be able to help.

If you have a question or would like further information about the study, please send an email to CASCADE-OA.study@sydney.edu.au or complete this form.

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