Extrait

Background and study aims Knee pain in older adults is a common disabling problem, managed in the UK mostly in primary care (GPs). Approximately 25% of those aged over 55 years are affected at any one time and half will find some daily activities more difficult. Knee pain in older adults is often due to osteoarthritis (OA). Given the ageing population the problem is set to get worse, and the need for effective treatment approaches is clear. Recent national and international guidelines as well as studies show that exercise can help in knee and hip OA. Exercise improves muscle dysfunction and reduces pain and disability without exacerbating joint damage. It can reduce the risk of other chronic conditions and improve the physical status of people with OA. However, there is a lack of evidence around the practical aspects of exercise delivery and maintenance, including what is an appropriate “dose” of exercise and how to support individuals to continue to exercise in the longer-term. Physiotherapists are the largest group of exercise advisor's for musculoskeletal problems in the NHS and are therefore an appropriate group with which to develop and test strategies. The aim of this initial study is to assess first whether helping people with knee pain to find the right exercise routine and maintaining it over time will produce better results, and secondly whether it is possible to run a larger study. Who can participate? Adults over 45 years old with knee pain and referred by their doctor. What does the study involve? All participants receive the same advice and information (booklet) and a home exercise programme. They are then allocated to one of three groups: - Usual care group (Group 1) receive up to 4 face-to face treatment sessions within 12 weeks with the physiotherapist. - Individually Tailored Exercise group (Group 2) receive between 6 to 8 face-to-face treatment sessions within 12 weeks with the physiotherapist. - Targeted Exercise Adherence group (Group 3) receive 4 treatment sessions within 12 weeks, plus between 6 to 8 face-to-face treatment sessions within 12 weeks with the physiotherapist What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? Not provided at time of registration Where is the study run from? Keele University Primary Care Musculoskeletal Research Centre, UK When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? September 2009 to December 2010 Who is funding the study? National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), UK Who is the main contact? Ms Jacqueline Gray Ms Nadine Foster

Critère d'inclusion

• Topic: Primary Care Research Network for England, Musculoskeletal; Subtopic: Not Assigned, Musculoskeletal (all Subtopics); Disease: Musculoskeletal, All Diseases

Liens

• ictrp
• isrctn