May 19, 2003

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A study under way at UAB aims to determine the effects of physical activity, weight, diet and other factors on knee pain and osteoarthritis. The study, called the Multi-center Osteoarthritis Study (MOST), is a three-year trial funded by the National Institute on Aging.

More than 20 million Americans are affected by osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, characterized by pain and stiffness in the joints. It is the most common cause of disability in adults, mostly due to arthritis of the knee.

The UAB study, led by Dr. Cora E. Lewis, professor of medicine with UAB’s Division of Preventive Medicine, is accepting 1,500 men and women between the ages of 50 and 79 who do not have rheumatoid arthritis and who have not had knee replacement surgery on both knees.

Qualified candidates enrolled in the study will visit the clinic two or three times over the next three years for knee x-rays, MRIs, bone density testing, medical exams and strength testing. No medication or treatments are used in the study and all clinic visits and tests are provided at no cost.

For more information or to volunteer to participate, please call (205) 975-7904 or toll free (877) 749-6767.