The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of Biofreeze® versus a placebo on walking gait characteristics and pain during walking in individuals with bilateral knee osteoarthritis (OA).
A convenience sample of 20 participants, \>40 years with previously diagnosed bilateral KOA were recruited. Participants must have been diagnosed with bilateral knee OA and be able to perform all study procedures. All participants reported in comfortable clothing and sneakers. After explanation of the study and consent, participants completed the demographics questionnaire, Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), and knee function survey. Participants then completed a 3mph 3-minute walking baseline assessment. Following the assessment, participants rated their pain and were randomly assigned to receive a blinded topical of either Biofreeze® or a Placebo. The dose of both gels was 5 mL per knee. The participant then waited 15 minutes, rated their pain, and repeated the 3-minute walking assessment and rated their pain once more. There was a minimum of a 24-72-hour washout period after which time the participants repeated the same protocol using the other topical.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
6
Biofreeze is a topical analgesic that uses the cooling effect of menthol, a natural pain reliever, to soothe minor muscle and joint pain. The product will be applied immediately after walking. The participant will wait 15 minutes prior to walking again.
The placebo is the Biofreeze product with all active ingredients removed. The product will be applied immediately after walking. The participant will wait 15 minutes prior to walking again.
Sport and Spine Rehab
Rockville, Maryland, United States
Change in Numeric Pain Rating Scale
Pain will be measures on a scale of 0 to 10, 0 being no pain at all and 10 representing the worst imaginable pain.
Time frame: Pain will be measured at baseline, immediately following the 3 minute walk, 15 minutes after topical application, and after the second 3 minute walk for both topical applications
Change in Knee Flexion
Knee Flexion Range of Motion will be measured using the Woodway Walker View Treadmill which utilizes a 3D camera and will be measured during the last 30 seconds of the 3 minute walk.
Time frame: Knee Flexion Range of Motion will be measured for both topical applications at initial walk and post-topical walk. The session will last a total of 30 minutes.
Change inHip Flexion
Hip Flexion Range of Motion will be measured using the Woodway Walker View Treadmill which utilizes a 3D camera and will be measured during the last 30 seconds of the 3 minute walk.
Time frame: Knee Flexion Range of Motion will be measured for both topical applications at initial walk and post-topical walk. The session will last a total of 30 minutes
Change in Step Length
Step Length will be measured using the Woodway Walker View Treadmill which utilizes load cells within the treadmill belt and will be measured during the last 30 seconds of the 3 minute walk.
Time frame: Knee Flexion Range of Motion will be measured for both topical applications at initial walk and post-topical walk. The session will last a total of 30 minutes
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