The effect of a low-carbohydrate diet on evoked pain and quality of life in Non-Hispanic black women with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot study

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent chronic pain condition that can significantly impact quality of life and contribute to recognized chronic pain racial disparities. We have shown that a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) can reduce KOA-related pain. Our previous work suggested that the LCD was more beneficial for women and non-Hispanic Black (NHB) adults, but our sample was not sufficiently diverse. Thus, we sought to determine whether the LCD may be beneficial for NHB women with KOA on measures of self-reported and evoked pain.

Fourteen NHB women (M = 55.93, S.D. = 7.79 years of age) with KOA were recruited to participate in a pilot 6-week LCD intervention. Measures of pain sensitivity, disability, physical functioning, overall chronic pain, quality of life, and dietary habits were taken at baseline and at 3- and 6-weeks of the LCD intervention.

Overall, participants showed significant differences in self-reported measures of daily pain, pain interference, stiffness, physical functioning, depressive symptoms, food knowledge and food security. Participants also showed reduced evoked pain in the timed walk and chair stand tasks.

A 6-week LCD provided a range of benefits related to pain and quality of life in NHB women with KOA. The utilization of a LCD is a modifiable, non-pharmacological and accessible alternative for chronic KOA that may reduce pain disparities and improve quality of life.

This article reports the original results of a dietary healthcare intervention registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 04343716, registered on 13/04/2020).