Preventing Knee Osteoarthritis In Young People
The SOAR (Stop OsteoARthritis) Clinical trial
The Problem
50% of young Canadians who hurt their knees playing sports are at risk of developing osteoarthritis (OA). This disease can cause pain and disability, making it hard to work, take care of family, and enjoy activities.
The Solution
The Stop OsteoARthritis (SOAR) program offers a new way to help prevent OA through education and exercise.
What the Study will do
This study will compare the effectiveness of the SOAR program to usual care. It aims to find a way to reduce the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis and minimize its impact on people’s lives and the healthcare system.
The Research Study
This research will study women and men who are 16 to 35 years of age and have had knee surgery after a tear of their ACL in the last 9 to 36 months.
Participants will be divided into two groups:
- One group will follow the SOAR program, which includes online education sessions, personalized home exercise plans, and regular check-ins with a physiotherapist.
- The second group will receive usual care which includes general education and an exercise program.
Researchers will measure participants’ knee health (including MRIs), pain levels, and quality of life over time to see if the SOAR program helps prevent the early onset of osteoarthritis and improves people’s overall well-being.
Want to participate in this research? Take the screening survey.
Research Scientist
Jackie Whittaker
Senior Scientist, Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, BScPT, PhD
Dr. Jackie Whittaker is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, at the University of British Columbia and is recognized as a Clinical Specialist in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. She completed her BScPT degree at the University of Alberta, PhD in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation at the University of Southampton (UK) and a post-doctoral fellowship supported by an Alberta Innovates Health Solutions Clinician Fellowship in injury prevention and epidemiology at the University of Calgary. She has been an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Research Director of the Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic at the University of Alberta.
