Moderators and mediators of effects of unloading shoes on knee pain in people with knee osteoarthritis: an exploratory analysis of the SHARK randomised controlled trial

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate moderators and biomechanical mediators of effects of unloading shoes on knee pain in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Exploratory analysis from 164 participants in a clinical trial comparing unloading (ASICS GEL-Melbourne OA) to conventional walking shoes. The primary outcome was 6-month change in knee pain (11-point numerical rating scale (NRS)). Moderators included baseline peak knee adduction moment (KAM), radiographic severity (Kellgren & Lawrence (KL) scale), body mass, foot posture, neuropathic pain and diffuse knee pain. Mediators included change in peak KAM and KAM impulse. RESULTS: Radiographic severity was the only moderator to interact with ..