The purpose of this RCT is to evaluate the effect of multi-component exercise regimen on subchondral bone, articular cartilage and inflammation markers in postmenopausal women with knee OA. The study will be a 8-month intervention study with a 12-month follow- up in women with mild to moderate radiographic knee OA. The participants will be randomly assigned to a multi-component exercise group or usual care reference group. The cartilage morphology, subchondral bone and OA-related biomarkers will be analyzed at baseline, after 8-month and at 12-month follow-up point. Bone traits, body composition, clinically important symptoms, quality of life and physical performance will also be measured. This research program is of clinical and public health importance and will generate meaningful results adding to existing knowledge regarding the knee OA pathogenesis and the role of therapeutic exercise in prevention of cartilage degeneration.

2022

2026