The effect of virtual reality induced optic flow manipulations during cycling on exercise engagement, experiences, and clinical outcomes in people with knee osteoarthritis
About the study
This study aims to compare two different virtual reality cycling programs delivered by an allied health professional. Our previous research suggests that using virtual reality while cycling may improve the exercise experience. We are now testing two different versions of virtual reality cycling to further refine the program.
Participants with knee osteoarthritis will attend one in-person testing session followed by a 6-week virtual reality cycling program (2 sessions per week) with an Allied Health Professional at the Clinical Trial Facility, Adelaide University City East campus. Participants will also be asked to complete online surveys at baseline, 6 weeks and at 10 weeks.
Eligibility requirements
You may be eligible to participate if you:
- are aged 45 years or older;
- have painful knee osteoarthritis that has been present for at least 6 months and affects your daily activities;
- do not currently meet physical activity recommendations for moderate-to-vigorous activity (150 minutes or more per week); and
- do not purposefully exercise for more than 30 minutes per day on 5 or more days per week.
You may not be eligible to participate if you:
- have a health condition that may prevent you from safely participating in physical activity, such as severe heart or lung disease;
- have a neurological condition affecting the lower limb, such as stroke or multiple sclerosis;
- have inflammatory arthritis, fibromyalgia, severe depression, or cognitive impairment, such as diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease or dementia;
- have another injury or pain condition that may limit your ability to exercise;
- are not fluent in English; or
- are unable to attend study appointments or complete the required study assessments
Recruitment timeline
Start of recruitment: September 2026
End of recruitment: April 2027
Benefits
All participants will receive treatments that have been shown to improve fitness, increase function and reduce pain in people with knee osteoarthritis. Therefore, you may receive personal benefit from participating. Your participation will also provide wider benefits to the community by providing important information on the treatment so that we can determine if this type of treatment should be provided to those with knee osteoarthritis.
Participants who complete all study intervention and assessments will be reimbursed $40 in gift vouchers.
Contact details
Please contact the researcher if you have any questions about the study:
Clinical Trial Facility Email: AU.researchvolunteers@adelaide.edu.au
Phone: 8302 1365
Takefumi Moriuchi: takefumi.moriuchi@adelaide.edu.au