The GORUN Study: Gradual Onset of RUNning and Knee Joint Health in Novice Runners

Inclusion criteria (all): * have been running consistently for no more than six months at time of enrolment, with a cumulative weekly volume of less than 5 kilometres OR have yet to take up recreational running consistently * are comfortable running and walking on a treadmill for at least 30 minutes Inclusion criteria (knee osteoarthritis (OA) group): * have definitive knee OA as diagnosed using x-rays * report having experienced frequent knee pain over the past 3 months Inclusion criteria (Control group): * have no evidence of knee OA based on x-rays * have had pain-free knees for at least the past 3 months Exclusion Criteria (all): * have an inflammatory arthritic condition (e.g. gout or rheumatoid arthritis) * have a presence of any health condition (other than OA in the knee OA group) affecting normal movement or that precludes engaging in moderate to high impact activities such as running Additionally, exclusion criteria based on MRI safety: * cannot safely fit into the MRI scanner * presence of metallic implants (including pace makers, brain aneurysm clips, stents, cochlear implants, artificial heart valves, and prostheses) * recent surgery or tattoos within the past 6 weeks * current or possible pregnancy * electrical stimulator for nerves or bones * infusion pumps * shrapnel or other metallic fragments * non-removable metallic jewellry