Project 6
Tooling up for early OA: Measuring what matters
Project Goals - What are we doing?
To determine what are the best models, markers and tools for the evaluation of OA and what are the most effective models of osteoarthritis care?
Research Outcomes - What will be achieved?
To identify, improve and evaluate indices of early impairment, activity limitations (i.e., disability), and participation restrictions (e.g., paid/unpaid work, leisure, social activities) among people with early osteoarthritis and early osteoarthritis symptoms. To identify the diagnostic properties of sociodemographic, occupational, clinical features, biomarkers and patient focused measures in combination for early osteoarthritis.
To establish longitudinal cohorts with early osteoarthritis defined by MRI or with early osteoarthritis-like symptoms to cover the spectrum of early osteoarthritis. To refine statistical techniques to model patterns of disease progression in early osteoarthritis subgroups (e.g. hip, knee, generalized osteoarthritis ), based on clinical features, the new instruments to assess early impairment, activity limitation, and participation restrictions, biomarkers and MRI and to train students and foster the development of exceptional young osteoarthritis researchers.
Background - Why is this research important?
The onset of early osteoarthritis and its subsequent progression have been poorly studied; the development of MRI, new biomarkers of bone and joint damage and repair, and the development of new statistical modeling techniques for the evaluation of OA are critically required. Even small changes in the disease course of osteoarthritis will have a major impact at the societal level.
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