03-05-2003

In a new study conducted at the University of Western Australia Department of Human Movement and Exercise Science, researchers have shown that Glucosamine supplementation may provide some degree of pain relief and improved function in people who experience chronic knee pain. Published in the February 2003 issue of the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the study examined the effects of oral Glucosamine supplementation on the functional ability and degree of pain felt by individuals who had regular knee pain, most likely caused by previous cartilage damage and osteoarthritis. Glucosamine is a natural building block of cartilage that helps lubricate and cushion joints during movement.

In this randomized, placebo controlled study, 46 subjects were selected to receive 2,000mg per day of Glucosamine or placebo for twelve weeks. During this period, four separate clinical testing sessions were performed to assess changes in knee pain and function. Two questionnaires, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and the Knee Pain Scale were also used to evaluate study participants.

The study results showed clinical and functional test scores improved over time, but there were no significant differences between the two groups. Results of the questionnaires however showed Glucosamine had a significant effect on quality of life scores at weeks eight and twelve, as well as lower marks on the knee pain scale than placebo. Self reported evaluations across the twelve week period showed 88% of subjects in the Glucosamine group reported some degree of improvement in knee pain, versus only 17% in the placebo group.

The researchers concluded the report stating that 2,000mg of Glucosamine per day can provide some degree of pain relief and improved function in people who experience regular knee pain. The majority of improvements coming after a period of eight weeks.