Effect of lifestyle factors on knee cartilage volume and rate of cartilage loss in a normal population

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Osteoarthritis (OA) has been described by the WHO as a potential epidemic and a major health and care services cost driver in an aging society. OA has the largest impact on burden of disease borne in later life. This has been acknowledged by its listing as the 7th health priority in Australia. To date, most research has focused on treating the resulting pain and disability. However, in order to reduce the burden of OA, identifying modifiable risk factors in the normal population is important. This proposal aims to identify life-style factors, such as diet, physical activity and obesity that effect knee cartilage health in healthy subjects, thereby identifying potential targets for future prevention of OA. This will provide us with the opportunity to promote a better quality of life as people age and reduce the economic burden on the community.