Effect of Energy Restriction and Exercise for Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes pain, reduced physical function and quality of life. Long-term studies have shown that exercise and substantial weight loss can cause improvements in these factors. Individuals with knee Osteoarthritis might have changes in their joint that can be seen with x-ray images. However, this is not guaranteed, and imaging does not always detect changes that occur with interventions that cause improved symptoms. As a result, there is interest in biological markers (biomarkers) as another way of monitoring Osteoarthritis. These markers can be examined in biological tissues, with samples measured in blood easier to obtain than those taken from the fluid within the joint itself. Historically, Osteoarthritis was thought of as a disease caused by mechanical factors but we are now aware that inflammation also plays a part.

Therefore, the investigators aim to test a short -term diet/exercise intervention that has been show to improve inflammation in other populations, in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Importantly, this will allow the investigators to see if reducing food intake alone or doing this with regular exercise can improve outcomes without substantial weight loss. The investigators will ask individuals to participate in one of two groups where they will first be asked to continue their normal lifestyle for 4 weeks to check the stability of outcomes. The investigators will then ask individuals to either reduce their food intake by 5000 calories per week, or do this while also completing moderate intensity cycling exercise 5 times a week for 4 weeks. At the start and end of each period the investigators will collect a blood sample to assess markers of inflammation and disease related processes. The investigators will also conduct questionnaire measurements, tests of physical function and experimental pain and scan participants to establish body composition.