Research in Osteoarthritis in Manchester (ROAM) Brace

ISRCTN ISRCTN50380458
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN50380458
Protocol serial number 7137
Sponsor University of Manchester (UK)
Funder Arthritis Research Campaign (ARC) (UK)
Submission date
21/05/2010
Registration date
21/05/2010
Last edited
19/01/2015
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Musculoskeletal Diseases
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data

Plain English summary of protocol

Not provided at time of registration

Contact information

Mrs Fiona Stirling
Scientific

University of Manchester
ARC Epidemiology Unit
Stopford Building
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PT
United Kingdom

fiona.stirling@manchester.ac.uk

Study information

Primary study designInterventional
Study designSingle centre randomised interventional treatment trial
Secondary study designRandomised controlled trial
Study type Participant information sheet
Scientific titlePatellofemoral brace treatment in patients with chronic painful patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA): a single centre randomised interventional treatment trial
Study acronymROAM Brace
Study objectivesThis study will form the first part of an Arthritis Research UK sponsored Osteoarthritis Programme grant to develop new treatment approaches for knee OA (Research in Osteoarthritis in Manchester - ROAM). There are three studies to be done in one group of PFOA patients. This will permit us to examine three related questions:

Study 1:
In a 6-week randomised trial compared to a no brace control, does the brace lead to diminution of synovitis and BMLs and reduction of pain and are these events related?

Study 2:
We will conduct a follow-up study for those in the trial. We will address whether in those who have noted a reduction in pain with the brace, does discontinuation of the brace lead to recurrence of pain and concomitant reappearance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings?

Study 3:
We will take measurements to test the third hypothesis that severity of knee pain is more strongly related to the degree of quadriceps muscle weakness, inhibition and pain and of hip abductor weakness than MRI findings in the knee including the size of the knee effusion (capsular distension) and the predominant compartment affected by PFOA.

Pain diaries will be used to monitor pain medication usage during the trial.
Ethics approval(s)Stockport REC approved on the 16th June 2009 (ref: 09/H1012/35)
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studiedTopic: Musculoskeletal, Primary Care Research Network for England; Subtopic: Not Assigned, Musculoskeletal (all Subtopics); Disease: Musculoskeletal, All Diseases
InterventionThe Brace study is a cross over randomised controlled trial:

Patient group 1:
Receives a brace at the baseline visit for a period of twelve weeks, with checks at 6 and 12 weeks. Following this the patient is monitored for a period of 6 further weeks with no brace.

Patient group 2:
Receives no brace for the first at baseline, then is given a brace to wear at week 6 visit, for the subsequent 12 weeks (monitored at weeks 12 and 18).

Both groups are therefore monitored for 18 weeks.

Study entry: single randomisation only
Intervention typeOther
Primary outcome measure(s)

VAS on nominated activity, measured at baseline, 6 weeks ,12 weeks and 18 weeks.

Key secondary outcome measure(s)

1. Aggregated Locomotor Function, measured at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 18 weeks
2. Hip Abduction Strength, measured at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 18 weeks
3. Knee injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), measured at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 18 weeks
4. Quadriceps Inhibition, measured at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 18 weeks
5. Quadriceps strength (secondary), measured at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 18 weeks

Completion date29/03/2013

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Patient
Age groupAdult
SexAll
Target sample size at registration144
Key inclusion criteria1. Age 40 - 70 years, either sex
2. Radiographic evidence of Kellgren-Lawrence score 2 or 3 predominating in the PF joint
3. Evidence of a bone marrow lesion on a clinical MR scan, or documented evidence of at least grade 2 arthritis on arthroscopy
4. Patellofemoral pain reproduced with stair climbing, kneeling or squatting but not with standing or walking on level ground
5. A nominated activity that causes worst pain which must be at least moderate in severity (i.e. should be greater than or equal to 4 on a 0 - 10 visual analogue scale [VAS])
6. Pain must have been present with this or other PF activities for the last 3 months
7. The patients will have lateral or medial patellar tenderness on palpation or a positive compression test
8. They should be on a stable medication regimen for 3 months (e.g. if the patients are using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] there should be no change)
9. All participants must be willing to wear brace for 3 months daily
10. Potential subjects must have a treatable MRI feature also including either a bone marrow lesion in their PF joint (patella or opposing femoral trochlea) or synovitis on gadolinium scan
Key exclusion criteria1. Previous patellar fracture or patellar realignment surgery
2. Predominant symptoms emanating from the tibiofemoral joint or from meniscal or ligament injury or if the patient has rheumatoid arthritis or other forms of inflammatory arthritis
3. If brace is not likely to work because the leg is too large
4. Intra-articular steroid injection into the painful knee in the last month or a viscosupplementation injection (such as Hyalgan, Durolane or Ostenil) with the last 3 months
5. If the patient is planning to move out of the area in next 3 months or will otherwise be unable to attend for follow up assessment
6. Those diagnosed with kidney disease or fatal disease
7. Usual exclusion criteria for the purposes of the MR scan
Date of first enrolment17/08/2009
Date of final enrolment29/03/2013

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • United Kingdom
  • England

Study participating centre

University of Manchester
Manchester
M13 9PT
United Kingdom

Results and Publications

Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareNo
IPD sharing plan summaryNot provided at time of registration
IPD sharing plan

Study outputs

Output type Details Date created Date added Peer reviewed? Patient-facing?
Results article results 01/06/2015 Yes No
Participant information sheet Participant information sheet 11/11/2025 11/11/2025 No Yes
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