Joint Action

This week, we dive into the pressing need to shift osteoarthritis management away from costly, invasive procedures like knee replacements toward more accessible, non-surgical treatments. Professor Ilana Ackerman from Monash University joins us to discuss why lifestyle changes - exercise, diet, and education - should be the first line of care, backed by compelling research that shows these approaches can delay or even avoid the need for surgery. Yet, despite the evidence, reimbursement for these programs remains limited, and many patients end up with surgeries they might not truly need.

We explore the financial and health system benefits of funding non-surgical programs, which could save the Australian healthcare system hundreds of millions of dollars annually. This episode is a call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and anyone impacted by osteoarthritis to advocate for better access to preventive care.

Tune in to learn how empowering patients with non-surgical options can lead to better outcomes, substantial cost savings, and a more personalised path for managing osteoarthritis.

RESOURCES

Previous episodes

• The volume of joint replacement surgeries for osteoarthritis is not sustainable with Prof Ilana Ackerman, Season 3, Episode 13

Journal articles

• Lifetime Cost-Effectiveness of Structured Education and Exercise Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis in Australia 
• Implementing a national first-line management program for moderate-severe knee osteoarthritis in Australia: A budget impact analysis focusing on knee replacement avoidance 

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• Twitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorg
• Instagram: @osteoarthritisresearchgroup
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.jointaction.info/podcast

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In this week's episode of Joint Action, we explore how the built environment - where you live, work, and move - impacts your likelihood of staying physically active while living with osteoarthritis. Our guest, Dr. Sarah Gebauer, a family physician and translational epidemiologist, discusses the concept of "walkability" and how access to sidewalks, parks, and public spaces can influence your ability to engage in physical activity. We also dive into the broader social determinants of health, including economic stability, social support networks, and neighborhood characteristics, and how these factors contribute to health disparities.

Join us as we uncover how small changes in your environment can lead to significant improvements in managing osteoarthritis and enhancing overall well-being.

RESOURCES

Journal articles

• Neighborhood Characteristics & Walking Behavior Among Adults with Arthritis: An NHIS Study - Pocha - Arthritis Care & Research - Wiley Online Library

CONNECT WITH US

• Twitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorg
• Instagram: @osteoarthritisresearchgroup
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.jointaction.info/podcast

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In this week's episode of Joint Action, we dive deep into the question: why do women experience more osteoarthritis than men? Host Professor David Hunter is joined by experts Assistant Professor Tristan Maerz and Assistant Professor Dieuwke Schiphof to explore the biological and gender-based differences that contribute to osteoarthritis prevalence, symptoms, and treatment disparities.

They discuss the complex interplay between hormones, joint structure, body composition, and pain perception. With insights from preclinical research, they reveal how the field is evolving to better understand these sex and gender differences, and what this could mean for future treatments.

Tune in to discover why these gaps in knowledge are crucial to closing the gender gap in osteoarthritis care, and how staying active plays a key role for everyone living with the condition.

RESOURCES

Journal articles

• From cartilage to culture: Opportunities for unraveling the complexities of osteoarthritis through sex and gender

CONNECT WITH US

• Twitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorg
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.jointaction.info/podcast

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The Osteoarthritis Prevention Study run by University of Sydney researchers is currently recruiting woman aged 50 years or older with a BMI of 30 or more. The study is perfect for women who would like to take control of their health and participate in diet and exercise classes or health education classes in a safe and supportive environment. To learn more, visit: www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/tops-study-overview

In this week's episode, we replay a popular episode recorded with Prof David Hunter and Dr Mariana Wingood in 2022. Staying physically active is not only important for people with osteoarthritis, but all adults. Participating in physical activity can help improve mobility, physical conditioning and reduce the risk of falls. However, despite the numerous health benefits of staying physically active, many older adults do not meet the recommended guidelines. We know it is often hard staying active so wanted to unpack that and give some tips and tricks for staying active. In this week’s episode of Joint Action, we are joined by Mariana Wingood to discuss how we can increase our levels of physical activity. 

RESOURCES

• The Osteoarthritis Prevention Study (TOPS)

Journal articles

• Physical Activity and Physical Activity Participation Barriers Among Adults 50 years and Older During the COVID-19 PandemicThe Inventory of Physical Activity Barriers for Adults 50 Years and Older: Refinement and Validation 
• Community-Dwelling Older Adults and Physical Activity Recommendations: Patterns of Aerobic, Strengthening, and Balance Activities 
• Feet/Footwear-Related Fall Risk Screening Tool for Older Adults: Development and Content Validation 
• APTA Geriatrics’ Guiding Principles for Best Practices in Geriatric Physical Therapy: An Executive Summary 
• Pain Neuroscience Education for Older Adults 

Websites

• Go4Life
• Vivifrail
• National Council on Aging

CONNECT WITH MARIANA

• Twitter @elevatingEBP

CONNECT WITH US

• Twitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorg
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.jointaction.info/podcast

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In this week's episode, we explore the quest for a therapy that not only alleviates symptoms of osteoarthritis but also addresses the underlying disease process. Host Professor David Hunter is joined by Chris Knight and Dr Sandeep Basnet from Formation Bio to discuss the complexities and breakthroughs in developing disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs).

They dive into the challenges of clinical trials, the high stakes of drug development, and the promising future of AI in revolutionising this field.

Tune in to learn how close we are to seeing these game-changing therapies become a reality and what it could mean for millions living with osteoarthritis.

RESOURCES

Formation Bio: https://www.formation.bio/

CONNECT WITH US

• Twitter/X: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorg
• Instagram: @ProfDavidHunter
• Email: [email protected]

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This week on Joint Action, we explore the potential of natural ingredients in relieving knee osteoarthritis pain. We start with a short introduction to the ATLAS study, a clinical trial by Professor David Hunter and a team of researchers at The University of Sydney. The ATLAS study is testing a groundbreaking supplement combining curcumin, boswellia serrata extract, and more. Can this blend offer pain relief for people with knee osteoarthritis? To learn more or be part of the study, visit: www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/atlas-study-overview

To help unravel the complexities of supplements and complementary medicines for osteoarthritis, we welcome Dr. Joanna Harnett, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney's School of Pharmacy. Dr. Harnett discusses the most commonly used supplements for osteoarthritis, the evidence supporting their use, and important safety considerations. She also provides practical advice on selecting the right complementary medicine and emphasizes the importance of consulting healthcare providers.

Whether you're curious about natural supplements or looking for guidance on managing osteoarthritis, this episode offers valuable insights to help you make informed decisions.

RESOURCES

• ATLAS study: www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/atlas-study-overview

Journal articles

• Which supplements can I recommend to my osteoarthritis patients?
• Dietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
• Managing Dietary Supplements and Complementary Medicines in Osteoarthritis

CONNECT WITH US

• Twitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorg
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.jointaction.info/podcast

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In this episode of the Joint Action podcast, we explore how injuries to the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in the knee can lead to osteoarthritis, especially in young people aged 15-25. Did you know that up to 20% of people who develop knee osteoarthritis do so because of a past injury? ACL injuries are a major culprit, and their impact can be life-changing.

We chat with Dr Andrew Ross, a physiotherapist and researcher, and Associate Prof Chris Schilling, a health economist, about how we can prevent these injuries in the first place. They share insights from recent studies showing that national injury prevention programs could save millions in healthcare costs, improve quality of life, and keep more people active in sports for longer.

We also discuss the challenges of getting these programs off the ground and why they’re so crucial - not just for individual athletes but for society as a whole. If you’re interested in how we can better protect our knees and prevent osteoarthritis, this episode is a must-listen!

RESOURCES

Previous episodes

• Knee injury and osteoarthritis with Tim Hewett
• Is osteoarthritis preventable? with Dr Jackie Whittaker

Programs

• Perform+
• FIFA 11+ Program
• GLAD Australia

Papers

• The economics of a national anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention program for amateur football players: a Markov model analysis
• The time is right to do more to reduce ACL injuries

CONNECT WITH US

• Twitter/X: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorg
• Instagram: @ProfDavidHunter
• Email: [email protected]

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On this week's episode of the Joint Action podcast, we dive into a critical aspect of osteoarthritis care: pain management. Dr Stefan Ivanavicius and Dr Sarah Kennedy join us to unravel why pain remains an unmet need in osteoarthritis. They shed light on the complexity of pain, influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. We explore different pain types and why current treatments fall short, highlighting the need for personalised care.

We'll also take you through the journey of drug development, from preclinical to clinical trials, revealing why it takes years and billions of dollars to bring a new pain management drug to market.

Tune in as we discuss innovations on the horizon, the hope for targeted treatments, and the collaborative efforts driving advancements in osteoarthritis care. Whether you're living with osteoarthritis or interested in the science behind pain management, this episode is packed with insights and optimism for the future.

RESOURCES

Previous episodes

• New insights into osteoarthritis pain with Prof Nidhi Sofat
• Where does osteoarthritis pain come from ? with Prof Anne-Marie Malfait

CONNECT WITH US

• Twitter/X: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorg
• Instagram: @ProfDavidHunter
• Email: [email protected]

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In this episode, we dive into the often overlooked world of younger adults living with osteoarthritis. Associate Professor Anthony Perruccio joins us to explore why people develop osteoarthritis and the unique challenges faced by younger individuals with the disease. We discuss key risk factors such as age, sex, weight, genetics, prior joint injuries, and muscle strength.

Associate Professor Perruccio also sheds light on the delayed diagnosis in younger adults and the severe impact on their overall and mental health, life satisfaction, and the likelihood of having other chronic conditions. We examine how current diagnostic methodologies might be contributing to these delays and what needs to change.

This conversation highlights the importance of recognising osteoarthritis in younger populations and encourages proactive management and participation in research to improve outcomes. Tune in to learn more about the hidden struggles and how we can better support younger individuals with osteoarthritis.

RESOURCES

Journal articles

• Old Before Their Time? The Impact of Osteoarthritis on Younger Adults - PubMed (nih.gov) 

CONNECT WITH US

• Twitter/X: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorg
• Instagram: @ProfDavidHunter
• Email: [email protected]

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In this week's episode, we explore how knee osteoarthritis affects the way people walk. Experts Dr. Kathryn Bacon and Associate Professor Deepak Kumar from Boston University explain that osteoarthritis impacts everyone differently, but common changes include walking slower, taking fewer steps per minute, and experiencing more muscle activity and pressure on certain parts of the knee. Join them as they reveal findings from one of their recent major studies, in which 2,500 participants wore sensors to track their walking patterns. Interestingly, the data from the study showed that changes in walking speed, step length, and symmetry can be linked to worsening pain and knee function over time.

Importantly, we also discuss how this research can help doctors understand osteoarthritis better and develop new ways to monitor and treat it, using simple sensors to track walking patterns in everyday life.

Tune in to learn more about how osteoarthritis impacts walking and the implications for future research and treatment.

RESOURCES

Journal articles

• Gait Alterations and Association With Worsening Knee Pain and Physical Function: A Machine Learning Approach With Wearable Sensors in the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study - PubMed (nih.gov)

Website

• www.osteoarthritisclinicalresearchgroup.com.au

CONNECT WITH US

• Twitter/X: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorg
• Instagram: @ProfDavidHunter
• Email: [email protected]

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