Joint Action

Tai Chi is a gentle, low-impact exercise that combines slow, controlled movements with balance and mindfulness. In this week’s episode of Joint Action, we are joined by Julia Zhu to discuss the evidence behind Tai Chi and its benefits for people living with knee osteoarthritis. Julia Zhu is a physiotherapist and PhD student at the Centre for Health, Exercise & Sports Medicine at the University of Melbourne. She recently submitted her PhD, which focused on developing and evaluating a self-directed online intervention for people with osteoarthritis in a clinical trial, where she developed the RETREAT trial that investigated at the effects of an online Tai Chi program. She has an interest in bridging the gap between research and practice and to drive impact with innovation. RESOURCES MyJoint Tai Chi websiteOnline Unsupervised Tai Chi Intervention for Knee Pain and Function in People With Knee OsteoarthritisThe RETREAT Randomized Clinical Trial CONNECT WITH US https://www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/current-trials@ProfDavidHunter@ProfDavidHunter@jointactionorghello@jointaction.infowww.jointaction.info/podcast If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to learn more about osteoarthritis from the world's leading experts! And please let us know what you thought by leaving us a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode we are airing the debate between Prof Kim Bennell, internationally renowned for her groundbreaking research on physiotherapy, exercise, and self-management for people living with osteoarthritis and Prof Marius Henriksen, a leading voice in musculoskeletal research, who has rigorously examined the role and sometimes limits of exercise in osteoarthritis care. Listen to this thought-provoking exchange between two absolute heavyweights in the field and dig deeper to find out whether exercise truly delivers on its promise for people with osteoarthritis. RESOURCES Youtube recording CONNECT WITH US https://www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/current-trials@ProfDavidHunter@ProfDavidHunter@jointactionorghello@jointaction.infowww.jointaction.info/podcast If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to learn more about osteoarthritis from the world's leading experts! And please let us know what you thought by leaving us a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode we discuss reframing pain in the context of osteoarthritis. The purpose of today’s conversation is to help you reconceptualise what pain means and shift the dialogue from pain being solely a marker of tissue damage and discusses the nervous system adaptations that occur as pain persists. Further we discuss education programs that target this knowledge and the beliefs that may underlie behaviours that detract from your ability to be physically active and modify your behaviour. Associate Professor Tasha Stanton leads the Osteoarthritis Research Theme within IIMPACT in Health at the University of South Australia, Adelaide. Her research group is affiliated with the Body in Mind Research group in Adelaide (University of South Australia). Tasha completed her PhD at the University of Sydney in 2010 and is currently a National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Career Development Fellow (2019-2022). She has received over $5.3m in competitive research funding to date, including a highly renowned Canadian Institute of Health Research Postdoctoral Training Fellowship (2011-2014) and NHMRC Early Career Fellowship (2014-2018). Her research aims to understand why we have pain and why, sometimes, pain doesn't go away. RESOURCES Journal articles A pain science education and walking program to increase physical activity in people with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: a feasibility studyThe EPIPHA-KNEE trial: Explaining Pain to target unhelpful pain beliefs to Increase PHysical Activity in KNEE osteoarthritis - a protocol for a multicentre, randomised controlled trial with clinical- and cost-effectiveness analysisWebsites NOI Group CONNECT WITH US https://www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/current-trials@ProfDavidHunter@ProfDavidHunter@jointactionorghello@jointaction.infowww.jointaction.info/podcast If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to learn more about osteoarthritis from the world's leading experts! And please let us know what you thought by leaving us a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Joint Action, Vicky puts David in the hot seat with listener questions. RELATED EPISODES JOURNAL ARTICLES Dietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysisThe Association of Recreational and Competitive Running With Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysisIs There an Association Between a History of Running and Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis? A Cross-Sectional Study From the Osteoarthritis Initiative CONNECT WITH US https://www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/current-trials@ProfDavidHunter@ProfDavidHunter@jointactionorghello@jointaction.infowww.jointaction.info/podcast If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to learn more about osteoarthritis from the world's leading experts! And please let us know what you thought by leaving us a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Joint Action, Vicky puts David in the hot seat with listener questions—and a few personal ones too. RELATED EPISODES CONNECT WITH US https://www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/current-trials@ProfDavidHunter@ProfDavidHunter@jointactionorghello@jointaction.infowww.jointaction.info/podcast If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to learn more about osteoarthritis from the world's leading experts! And please let us know what you thought by leaving us a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wonder what is involved in a total hip replacement? On this week's episode of Joint Action, we are joined by Robyn Pulman. An avid listener of Joint Action, she now joins as a guest to share her lived experience with osteoarthritis and her personal journey through a recent left anterior hip replacement. Robyn is a public speaking and corporate communication coach and expert behind Speak for Impact, a platform dedicated to helping individuals and team communicate with clarity, confidence and influence. CONNECT WITH US https://www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/current-trials@ProfDavidHunter@ProfDavidHunter@jointactionorghello@jointaction.infowww.jointaction.info/podcast If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to learn more about osteoarthritis from the world's leading experts! And please let us know what you thought by leaving us a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions to lowering rates of chronic disease and promoting mental well-being, active transport systems are reshaping cities and lives. On this week's episode of Joint Action, we are joined by Professor Adam Millard-Ball to explore how communities are reimagining streets to prioritise people over cars. Adam Millard-Ball is a professor of urban planning at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs where he also directs the UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies. His research addresses the challenges of transportation and climate change by how we plan our streets and move around our cities and to identify and evaluate policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. RESOURCES Journal articles Global health and climate benefits from walking and cycling infrastructure CONNECT WITH US https://www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/current-trials@ProfDavidHunter@ProfDavidHunter@jointactionorghello@jointaction.infowww.jointaction.info/podcast If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to learn more about osteoarthritis from the world's leading experts! And please let us know what you thought by leaving us a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can two wheels really help ease joint pain? On this week's episode we are joined by Professor Tom Wainwright to discuss the benefits of cycling for hip osteoarthritis. He also discusses the findings of his recently completed randomised controlled trial comparing a cycling and educational intervention to usual physiotherapy care. Professor Tom Wainwright is a physiotherapist specialising in orthopaedic physiotherapy, researcher and educator. He has authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications is recognised as an international expert in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols in Orthopaedics and was the lead author of the first ERAS Society guidelines for hip and knee replacement. Tom is passionate about improving the quality of healthcare systems and works to help other healthcare providers improve the quality of their services through teaching and consultancy. RESOURCES ORI Education AppCHAIN (Cycling against Hip pAIN)Journal Articles Clinical and cost-effectiveness of a cycling and education intervention versus usual physiotherapy care for the treatment of hip osteoarthritis in the UK (CLEAT): a pragmatic, randomised, controlled trial CONNECT WITH US https://www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/current-trials@ProfDavidHunter@ProfDavidHunter@jointactionorghello@jointaction.infowww.jointaction.info/podcast If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to learn more about osteoarthritis from the world's leading experts! And please let us know what you thought by leaving us a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know that 1 in 8 Australians live with osteoarthritis? It is one of the leading causes of pain and disability worldwide. On this special episode, we hear from previous guests on common misconceptions and beliefs about osteoarthritis, the importance of staying physically active, behaviour change, and driving change in osteoarthritis. If you are interested, you can listen to the full episodes: “Common Misconceptions and Beliefs about Osteoarthritis”“Walking for Joint Health”"Tips for behaviour change for diet and exercise" "Driving change in osteoarthritis - strategies, barriers and consumer power" RESOURCES Additional resources CONNECT WITH US https://www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/current-trials@profdavidhunter@ProfDavidHunter@jointactionorghello@jointaction.infowww.jointaction.info/podcast If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to learn more about osteoarthritis from the world's leading experts! And please let us know what you thought by leaving us a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a limb realignment surgery which is intended for people who have medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA), but are not suitable candidates for total knee replacement due to younger age, less severe disease and greater physical demands. The aim of HTO is to correct alignment, thereby shifting load away from the more involved knee compartment and limit progression of knee OA. On this week's episode of Joint Action, we are joined by Dr Trevor Birmingham and Dr David Parker to discuss high tibial osteotomy surgery, who it is suitable for and the risks involved. Professor Trevor Birmingham is a physiotherapist and Canada Research Chair in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation at the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada. He leads research on musculoskeletal health, often combining clinical outcomes with biomechanical, imaging and biological measures in cohort studies and randomized trials. He co-directs the Wolf Orthopaedic Biomechanics Lab at the Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic and is a founding member of the Bone and Joint Institute and the Collaborative Graduate Training Program in Musculoskeletal Health Research at Western University. Dr David Parker is an experienced orthopaedic knee specialist and co-founder of the Sydney Orthopaedic Research Institute (SORI). He is passionate about sport and is actively involved with international orthopaedic and sports medicine organisations and has extensive experience with athletes of all levels from recreational to elite. Dr Parker has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and many textbook chapters and has been awarded the Australian Orthopaedic Association Prize for Research. RESOURCES Journal articles Total knee replacement after high tibial osteotomy: time-to-event analysis and predictors CONNECT WITH US https://www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/current-trials@ProfDavidHunter@jointactionorghello@jointaction.infowww.jointaction.info/podcast If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to learn more about osteoarthritis from the world's leading experts! And please let us know what you thought by leaving us a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's episode is in honour of Frank Beier, who recently passed away on July 18, 2025. Frank leaves behind a remarkable legacy through the impact he made in the field of osteoarthritis. In this previous episode (2021), he discussed the recent advances in osteoarthritis understanding with a particular emphasis on novel targets and epigenetics. Despite the large prevalence of osteoarthritis, there is no clinically approved drug which provides a cure. Currently, drugs focus on relieving symptoms such as pain. Experiments done in the laboratory have provided insight on osteoarthritis onset and progression and will likely guide therapeutic development. We know that osteoarthritis is a disease of the whole organ meaning that any of the tissues involved in the synovial joint can be affected. The interplay between the various cell types involved is complex and understanding the interactions between cartilage, bone and synovium may be critical to therapeutic development. Skeletal development likely plays a very important role in predisposition to disease. Through the identification of serious pathologies such as various forms of dwarfism (what in medical terms are called chondrodysplasias) the role of transcription factors and epigenetics is increasing our understanding of disease genesis.The study of the epigenetics of OA - the mechanism by which the human genome alters it’s gene expression (without changing the primary DNA sequence) has provided valuable information on novel risk factors for the disease and are potential therapeutic targets for OA. RESOURCES Journal articles Nuclear receptors as potential drug targets in osteoarthritisInterplay between genetics and epigenetics in osteoarthritisRecent developments in emerging therapeutic targets of osteoarthritis CONNECT WITH US @ProfDavidHunter@jointactionorghello@jointaction.infowww.jointaction.info/podcast If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to learn more about osteoarthritis from the world's leading experts! And please let us know what you thought by leaving us a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of Joint Action discover how ultra-processed foods may be silently contributing to osteoarthritis. Dr Gabby Joseph joins us to discuss her research research linking poor diet quality to greater knee pain, poorer physical function and thinner knee cartilage. Dr Gabby Joseph is a scientist and statistician with over 20 years of experience leading research funded by the US government at the University of California San Francisco, Her work focuses on musculoskeletal imaging, predictive modelling, and clinical study design, with a focus on applying advanced statistical and machine learning methods to improve patient outcomes She is the co-Director of The University of California's Clinical & Translational Musculoskeletal Imaging group and passionate about making sense of complex data so that it can be used to improve real-world care. RESOURCES Ultra-processed food consumption is associated with knee osteoarthritis: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative CONNECT WITH US @ProfDavidHunter@jointactionorg@osteoarthritisresearchgrouposteoarthritis.research@sydney.edu.auwww.jointaction.info/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dribbling into discovery - on this episode of Joint Action, we are joined by Dr John Drazan to learn more about how he is using basketball to inspire the next generation of scientists. Dr John Drazan is an Assistant Professor of biomedical engineering at Fairfield University where he studies the relationship between muscle structure and function to understand how muscles remodel in response to aging, injury, or training. He is an award-winning STEM educator and former collegiate basketball player who runs STEM focused clinics to encourage student interest in maths, science, technology and engineering. His innovative programs have reached over 25,000 students across the USA. CONNECT WITH US @ProfDavidHunter@jointactionorg@osteoarthritisresearchgrouphello@jointaction.infowww.jointaction.info/podcast If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to learn more about osteoarthritis from the world's leading experts! And please let us know what you thought by leaving us a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know your beliefs about osteoarthritis could be making your symptoms worse? In this re-aired episode from Season 5, Episode 1 of Joint Action, physiotherapist and health communication expert Dr Ben Darlow joins us to explore how common misconceptions - like “wear and tear” or “bone on bone” - can limit your activity and shape your treatment choices. We discuss the power of language, the importance of hope, and how better understanding can help you take control of your health. Whether you're living with osteoarthritis, supporting someone who is, or working in healthcare, this conversation is a must-listen. RESOURCES Living with osteoarthritis is a balancing act: an exploration of patients' beliefs about knee painThe osteoarthritis knowledge scale CONNECT WITH US @ProfDavidHunter@jointactionorghello@jointaction.infowww.jointaction.info/podcast If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to learn more about osteoarthritis from the world's leading experts! And please let us know what you thought by leaving us a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Methotrexate is a well-established drug used in oncology, but could it also play a role in managing osteoarthritis? In this episode of Joint Action, Professor David Hunter is joined by Dr Anna Døssing and Professor Robin Christensen to explore the potential of methotrexate as a treatment for osteoarthritis pain. They discuss: Tune in for an honest, data-driven conversation about repurposing an old drug for a new purpose - and what it could mean for people living with osteoarthritis. RESOURCES https://www.oarsijournal.com/article/S1063-4584(25)00973-2/abstract? CONNECT WITH US @ProfDavidHunter@jointactionorg@osteoarthritisresearchgrouposteoarthritis.research@sydney.edu.auhttps://www.jointaction.info/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Metformin is one of the world’s most prescribed drugs for type 2 diabetes - but could it also help with knee osteoarthritis? In this episode of Joint Action, Prof. David Hunter is joined by Prof. Flavia Cicuttini to unpack the results of a groundbreaking clinical trial that tested metformin as a new treatment for knee pain in people with knee osteoarthritis. Tune in to hear what the study found, how the drug works, who might benefit, and what this could mean for delaying joint replacement. RESOURCES https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2833338 CONNECT WITH US @ProfDavidHunter@jointactionorg@osteoarthritisresearchgrouposteoarthritis.research@sydney.edu.auhttps://www.jointaction.info/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Joint Action, Professor David Hunter is joined by Dr. Stephanie Mathies and Dr. Giovanni Ferreira to unpack the cost-effectiveness of osteoarthritis treatments. They discuss the results of their recent systematic review, which analysed over 100 studies to identify which guideline-recommended treatments provide the best value for money. From exercise and medications to injections and surgery, they explore which interventions are truly cost-effective - and which may not be worth the spend. Learn why “simple things” like exercise and education still offer the most value, and what this means for patients, clinicians, and healthcare policy. RESOURCES Article: https://www.oarsijournal.com/article/S1063-4584(25)00972-0/abstract CONNECT WITH US @ProfDavidHunter@jointactionorg@osteoarthritisresearchgrouposteoarthritis.research@sydney.edu.auwww.jointaction.info/podca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Joint Action, Professor David Hunter is joined by Dr Sarah Kobayashi, a lecturer in anatomy and osteoarthritis researcher, to talk about the power of walking - especially for people with osteoarthritis. Sarah shares her insights into the many health benefits of walking, why it’s so important for joint health, and how to overcome common barriers to getting started. She also introduces the CASCADE-OA study (Community bAsed phySical aCtivity AnD sElf-management for OsteoArthritis), a 12-month clinical trial exploring the effectiveness of a self-directed walking program, Walk With Ease Australia, in improving physical activity levels and managing symptoms for those with hip or knee osteoarthritis. Whether you're new to walking or looking to establish a sustainable routine, this episode offers practical advice and motivation to help you take that first step. RESOURCES Learn more about the CASCADE-OA study and check your eligibility: www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/cascadeoa-study-overview Ask your local arthritis organisation about Walk With Ease or the CASCADE-OA study: Arthritis Australia – www.arthritisaustralia.com.au/state-offices/ Additional resources: www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/exercises/walkingwalking.heartfoundation.org.auwww.parkrun.com.au CONNECT WITH US @ProfDavidHunter@jointactionorg@osteoarthritisresearchgrouposteoarthritis.research@sydney.edu.auwww.jointaction.info/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Running often gets a bad rap when it comes to knee osteoarthritis - but is the fear justified? In this week's episode of Joint Action, Professor David Hunter speaks with physiotherapist and researcher Dr Jean-François Esculier to unpack common myths about running and joint health. They explore the latest evidence, share tips for safe running with OA, and discuss how to build joint resilience over time. Tune in to learn why running might not just be safe - it could even be helpful. RESOURCES http://hdl.handle.net/2429/82767 CONNECT WITH US @ProfDavidHunter@jointactionorg@osteoarthritisresearchgrouposteoarthritis.research@sydney.edu.auwww.jointaction.info/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

High heels have long been associated with fashion - but what impact do they have on your joints? This week, Professor David Hunter is joined by physiotherapist and footwear researcher Dr. Kathryn Mills to unpack the biomechanics of high heels and their effect on knee health. From changes in posture and joint compression to the importance of shoe comfort and replacement, this episode blends science with practical advice for anyone managing knee pain or osteoarthritis. Plus, learn what to look for in a good shoe and when to seek professional help from a podiatrist or physiotherapist. RESOURCES https://www.instagram.com/humanmovementmontreal/https://www.podiatry.org.au/https://www.podiatry.org.au/foot-health-resources/footwear-health-check/footwear-health-check CONNECT WITH US @ProfDavidHunter@jointactionorg@osteoarthritisresearchgrouposteoarthritis.research@sydney.edu.auwww.jointaction.info/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.