The effects of GreenShell™ mussel powder (brand-named PERNAULTRATM) on physical performance and subjective pain, symptoms, and function measures in knee osteoarthritis: A 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) can cause disability and reduce quality of life. Objectives To determine if GSM powder (PERNAULTRA™) consumption was more effective than placebo at improving physical performance and subjective measures of symptoms and function in adults with early signs of knee OA. Methods The Researching Osteoarthritis and GSM (ROAM) study was a 6-month randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial in adults 55-80yrs, screened for signs of OA (n=120, 65.9yrs±6.43, 63% female). Participants consumed either 3g of powdered whole GSM or placebo (pea protein) daily. Baseline and end data collection included 30 second chair stand, stair test, 40m fast-paced walk test, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire categorized into 5 subscales: pain (P), symptoms except pain (S), function in activities of daily living (ADL), function in sports/recreation (SP) and quality of life (QoL), Measure of Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain (ICOAP), and Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) of pain and symptoms. Results VAS symptoms showed a significantly greater reduction in percentage change for GSM than placebo [-28.1 (-59.2, 43.2) vs. 0.00 (-28.6, 100), P=0.03]. Further, a trend for improvement in percentage change for GSM versus placebo was seen in 40m fast paced walk [2.51 (-3.55, 8.12) vs. 0.20 (-6.58, 4.92), P=0.09], KOOS SP [11.4 (-4.48, 27.0) vs. 0.00 (-11.1, 17.7), P=0.09], and ICOAP intermittent pain scale [-27.7 (-77.3, 0.00) vs. -14.6 (-50.0, 36.4), P=0.08]. In those with BMI<25kg/m2 GSM consumption significantly improved KOOS S compared to placebo [6.35 (3.49, 12.7) vs. 0.00 (-4.65, 4.49), p=0.03] and showed a trend for improvement in KOOS ADL [3.29 (1.01, 8.79) vs. 1.01 (-5.75, 4.30), p=0.07]. Those with BMI≥25kg/m2 consuming GSM showed a trend for improvement in KOOS SP [13.6 (-4.76, 33.3) vs. 0.00 (-12.5, 20.0), p=0.07]. Conclusion This research suggests consumption of GSM has potential to alleviate symptoms and improve functionality in OA. Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12620001112954p.https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12620001112954p.aspx.