Guidance for implementing best practice therapeutic exercise for people with knee and hip osteoarthritis: what does the current evidence base tell us?

Exercise Training for Chronic Pain: Available Evidence, Current Recommendations, and Potential Mechanisms

Chronic pain conditions pose a significant global burden of disability, with epidemiological data indicating a rising incidence. Exercise training is commonly recommended as a standalone or complementary approach for managing various chronic pain conditions like low back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia syndrome, and neuropathic pain. Regardless of the specific condition or underlying cause (e.g., autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation), exercise training consistently leads to moderate to large reductions in pain. Moreover, exercise yields numerous benefits beyond pain alleviation, including small-to-moderate improvements in disability, quality of life, and physical function. Despite its efficacy, there is a lack of comprehensive research delineating the optimal intensity, duration, and type of exercise for maximal benefits; however, evidence suggests that sustained engagement in regular exercise or physical activity is necessary to achieve and maintain reductions in both clinical pain intensity ratings and the level that pain interferes with activities of daily living. Additionally, the precise mechanisms through which exercise mitigates pain remain poorly understood and likely vary based on the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying each condition.

One leg testing in hip and knee osteoarthritis: A comparison with a two-leg oriented functional outcome measure and self-reported functional measures

OBJECTIVE

To compare the responsiveness of two unilateral lower-limb performance-based tests, the one-leg rise test and the maximal step-up test, with the bilateral 30-second chair-stand test and the self-reported measure of physical function (HOOS/KOOS). Specific aims were to evaluate responsiveness, floor/ceiling effect and association between the instruments.

METHOD

Data was included from 111 participants, mean age 61.3 years (8.3), with clinically verified hip or knee osteoarthritis, who reported less than 150 minutes/week of moderate or vigorous intensity physical activity. Responsiveness, how well the instruments captured improvements, was measured as Cohen's standardised mean difference for effect size, and was assessed from baseline to 12 months following a physical activity intervention. Other assessments were floor and ceiling effects, and correlations between tests.

RESULTS

The maximal step-up test had an effect size of 0.57 (95% CI 0.37, 0.77), the 30-second chair-stand 0.48 (95% CI 0.29, 0.68) and the one-leg rise test 0.12 (95% CI 0.60, 0.31). The one-leg rise test had a floor effect as 72% of the participants scored zero at baseline and 63% at 12 months. The correlation between performance-based tests and questionnaires was considered to be minor (r = 0.188 to 0.226) (p = 0.018 to 0.048).

CONCLUSION

The unilateral maximal step-up test seems more responsive to change in physical function compared to the bilateral 30-second chair-stand test, although the tests did not differ statistically in effect size. The maximal step-up test provides specific information about each leg for the individual and allows for comparison between the legs.

Work-related interventions are not commonly included in physiotherapy management of lower limb osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional survey of Australian Physiotherapists

BACKGROUND

Lower limb osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability and can affect an individual's ability to work.

OBJECTIVES

To explore Australian physiotherapists' use of work-related interventions in managing patients with lower limb OA, and identify current management practices.

METHODS

Physiotherapists with at least two years of experience treating patients with lower limb OA were invited to complete an online survey to understand how physiotherapists manage patients with lower limb OA, specifically regarding interventions related to work.

RESULTS

A total of 132 physiotherapists completed the survey. In free text responses, only 1.5% and 2.3% of physiotherapists nominated work-related items in their key components of treatment or educational topics discussed with patients with lower limb OA, respectively. From a range of work-related activities presented, over half of physiotherapists indicated they regularly/always provided education about the benefits of remaining in work (63.5%) and advice on managing symptoms at work (57.4%). Less than 10% of physiotherapists regularly/always used a validated scale to identify barriers for work (9.6%), discussed absences from work (9.6%), conducted a workplace assessment (4.4%), and discussed submitting workers' compensation claims (2.6%). Exercise and patient education were the most frequently nominated physiotherapy treatments in free text (96.2% and 86.3%, respectively) and fixed response (99.2% and 93.9%, respectively) questions.

CONCLUSION

Many physiotherapists do not address work-related activities in their management of patients with lower limb OA. In light of work-related challenges commonly experienced by individuals with lower limb OA, this is an important aspect of management of this condition.

Are the Effects of Resistance Exercise on Pain and Function in Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis Dependent on Exercise Volume, Duration, and Adherence? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine dose parameters for resistance exercise associated with improvements in pain and physical function in knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) and whether these improvements were related to adherence.

METHODS

We searched six databases, from inception to January 28, 2023, for randomized controlled trials comparing land-based, resistance exercise-only interventions with no intervention, or any other intervention. There were four subgroups of intervention duration: 0 to <3 months, 3 to 6 months, >6 to <12 months, ≥12 months. The between-group effect was calculated for immediate postintervention pain and physical function (activities of daily living [ADL] and sports/recreation [SPORT]).

RESULTS

For both knee and hip, data from 280 studies showed moderate benefit for pain, physical function ADL, and physical function SPORT in favor of interventions 3 to 6 months. For the knee, there was also a moderate benefit for physical function ADL in favor of interventions >6 to <12 months. From 151 knee and hip studies that provided total exercise volume data (frequency, time, duration), there was no association between volume with the effect size for pain and physical function. A total of 74 studies (69 knee, 5 hip) reported usable adherence data. There was no association between adherence with the effect size for pain and physical function.

CONCLUSION

In knee and hip OA, resistance exercise interventions 3 to 6 months (and for the knee >6 to <12 months) duration improve pain and physical function. Improvements do not depend on exercise volume or adherence, suggesting exercise does not require rigid adherence to a specific dose.

Effectiveness of an 11-week exercise intervention for patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis: results of a quasi-experimental pragmatic trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of exercise and education in addition to standard care (SC) compared to SC alone in patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA) during 24 months follow-up.

DESIGN

We conducted a quasi-experimental pragmatic clinical trial in care centers of a health insurance company. Overall, 1,030 subjects with hip and/or knee OA were included. The intervention group was recruited from clients participating in a hip/knee training (HKT, n = 515) in addition to SC. The control group (CO, n = 515) receiving SC only was recruited from the insurance database. HKT comprised 8 group sessions (1/week) of exercise and education, complemented by a 11-week structured home-exercise program (2/week). Primary endpoints were change of joint-related pain and function (WOMAC Index, score 0-10) after 3 months. Secondary endpoints related to follow-ups at 6, 12 and 24 months. All patient reported outcome measures were analyzed using linear mixed models (LMMs) investigating a time x treatment effect. A multivariable cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify differences of joint replacement during follow-up between groups.

RESULTS

LMMs revealed statistically significant differences in favor of HKT for the primary outcomes WOMAC pain = 0.47 (CI 0.27-0.66; Effect Size (ES) = 0.22, p < 0.001) and WOMAC function = 0.27 (CI 0.11-0.44; ES = 0.13, p < 0.001). HKT was superior to CO for 6, 12, and 24 months as well (ES < 0.2, p ≤ 0.006). HKT was inferior regarding the first incidence of hip or knee AJR during follow-up in comparison to CO (adjusted hazard ratio, HR = 1.57; CI 1.08-2.30; p = 0.020).

CONCLUSIONS

This trial demonstrated short-, mid- and long-term superiority of exercise versus control. However, differences were smaller than those reported in previous efficacy trials, raising questions regarding clinical importance. Responder analysis will follow to identify possible predictors for patient responsiveness on an individual level. Further studies should investigate the frequency and reasons for joint replacement following exercise therapy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS00009251). Registered 10 September 2015.

Causal effect of physical activity and sedentary behaviors on the risk of osteoarthritis: a univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization study

There is still a lot of ambiguity about the link between physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviors (SBs) and osteoarthritis (OA). This study aimed to investigate the causal relationship of PA/SBs on the risk of OA. A univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to investigate the causal effect of five PA phenotypes and three SB phenotypes on overall OA, knee OA, hip OA, total hip arthroplasty, and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). MR methods used were inverse-variance weighting, MR-Egger regressions, and weighted median. Sensitivity analysis examined horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity, and confirmed the reliability of the results. After false discovery rate, light do-it-yourself (DIY) activities decreased the risk for overall OA (OR: 0.32, 95% CI 0.16-0.65), and knee OA (OR: 0.26, 95% CI 0.12-0.51). Resulting in a decreased risk of walking for pleasure on overall OA (OR: 0.87, 95% CI 0.70-1.04) and knee OA (OR: 0.14, 95% CI 0.06-0.32) was also observed. Television viewing, however, significantly increased the risk of OA, knee OA, hip OA, and TKA. MVMR findings revealed independent causal impacts of walking for pleasure and watching television on overall and knee OA, taking into account BMI, smoking, and education. This study suggested that light DIY and walking for pleasure were beneficial for preventing OA, and the risk of OA and TKA increased with prolonged television watching.

Absence of Improvement With Exercise in Some Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Qualitative Study of Responders and Nonresponders

OBJECTIVE

To compare the perceptions of patients about why they did, or did not, respond to a physical therapist-supported exercise and physical activity program.

METHODS

This was a qualitative study within a randomized controlled trial. Twenty-six participants (of 40 invited) with knee osteoarthritis sampled according to response (n = 12 responders, and 14 nonresponders based on changes in both pain and physical function at 3 and 9 months after baseline) to an exercise and physical activity intervention. Semistructured individual interviews were conducted. Inductive thematic analysis was undertaken within each subgroup using grounded theory principles. A deductive approach compared themes and subthemes across subgroups. Findings were triangulated with quantitative data.

RESULTS

(Sub)themes common to responders and nonresponders included the intervention components that facilitated engagement, personal attitudes and expectations, beliefs about osteoarthritis and exercise role, importance of adherence, and perceived strength gains with exercise. In contrast to responders who felt empowered to self-manage, nonresponders accepted responsibility for lack of improvement in pain and function with exercise, acknowledging that their adherence to the intervention was suboptimal (confirmed by quantitative adherence data). Nonresponders believed that their excess body weight (supported by quantitative data) contributed to their outcomes, encountered exercise barriers (comorbidities, stressors, and life events), and perceived that the trial measurement tools did not adequately capture their response to exercise.

CONCLUSION

Responders and nonresponders shared some similar perceptions of exercise. However, along with perceived limitations in trial outcome measurements, nonresponders encountered challenges with excess weight, comorbidities, stressors, and life events that led to suboptimal adherence and collectively were perceived to contribute to nonresponse.

Moderators of the effect of therapeutic exercise for knee and hip osteoarthritis: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Many international clinical guidelines recommend therapeutic exercise as a core treatment for knee and hip osteoarthritis. We aimed to identify individual patient-level moderators of the effect of therapeutic exercise for reducing pain and improving physical function in people with knee osteoarthritis, hip osteoarthritis, or both.

METHODS

We did a systematic review and individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials comparing therapeutic exercise with non-exercise controls in people with knee osteoathritis, hip osteoarthritis, or both. We searched ten databases from March 1, 2012, to Feb 25, 2019, for randomised controlled trials comparing the effects of exercise with non-exercise or other exercise controls on pain and physical function outcomes among people with knee osteoarthritis, hip osteoarthritis, or both. IPD were requested from leads of all eligible randomised controlled trials. 12 potential moderators of interest were explored to ascertain whether they were associated with short-term (12 weeks), medium-term (6 months), and long-term (12 months) effects of exercise on self-reported pain and physical function, in comparison with non-exercise controls. Overall intervention effects were also summarised. This study is prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42017054049).

FINDINGS

Of 91 eligible randomised controlled trials that compared exercise with non-exercise controls, IPD from 31 randomised controlled trials (n=4241 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. Randomised controlled trials included participants with knee osteoarthritis (18 [58%] of 31 trials), hip osteoarthritis (six [19%]), or both (seven [23%]) and tested heterogeneous exercise interventions versus heterogeneous non-exercise controls, with variable risk of bias. Summary meta-analysis results showed that, on average, compared with non-exercise controls, therapeutic exercise reduced pain on a standardised 0-100 scale (with 100 corresponding to worst pain), with a difference of -6·36 points (95% CI -8·45 to -4·27, borrowing of strength [BoS] 10·3%, between-study variance [τ2] 21·6) in the short term, -3·77 points (-5·97 to -1·57, BoS 30·0%, τ2 14·4) in the medium term, and -3·43 points (-5·18 to -1·69, BoS 31·7%, τ2 4·5) in the long term. Therapeutic exercise also improved physical function on a standardised 0-100 scale (with 100 corresponding to worst physical function), with a difference of -4·46 points in the short term (95% CI -5·95 to -2·98, BoS 10·5%, τ2 10·1), -2·71 points in the medium term (-4·63 to -0·78, BoS 33·6%, τ2 11·9), and -3·39 points in the long term (-4·97 to -1·81, BoS 34·1%, τ2 6·4). Baseline pain and physical function moderated the effect of exercise on pain and physical function outcomes. Those with higher self-reported pain and physical function scores at baseline (ie, poorer physical function) generally benefited more than those with lower self-reported pain and physical function scores at baseline, with the evidence most certain in the short term (12 weeks).

INTERPRETATION

There was evidence of a small, positive overall effect of therapeutic exercise on pain and physical function compared with non-exercise controls. However, this effect is of questionable clinical importance, particularly in the medium and long term. As individuals with higher pain severity and poorer physical function at baseline benefited more than those with lower pain severity and better physical function at baseline, targeting individuals with higher levels of osteoarthritis-related pain and disability for therapeutic exercise might be of merit.

FUNDING

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Charitable Trust and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

A 1RM Strengthening and Exercise Programme for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Quality-Improvement Study

Background: The Kneefit programme is a 12-week strengthening and exercise programme, personalised using body-weight ratios, for people with knee osteoarthritis. Objectives and Design: This quality-improvement study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the programme for managing symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Methods: The Kneefit programme was delivered between 20 August 2013 and 7 January 2014 and included six weeks of supervised strengthening, balance, and cardiovascular exercise in a group at the local hospital, followed by six weeks of unsupervised exercise. Leg-press and knee-extension 1RM scores were assessed at baseline, six weeks, and twelve weeks. In addition, patient-reported outcome measures (Oxford Knee Score, EQ5D, Patient Specific Function Score (PSFS)) were assessed. Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests were used to evaluate the changes from week 1 to week 6 and week 12. Results: Thirty-six patients were included at baseline and at six weeks, and 31 patients completed their twelve-week assessment. Statistically significant improvements were found at 6 and 12 weeks for change for the Oxford Knee Score (median change: 4.0, IQR 4.0 to 9.0, p < 0.001 and 4.0, IQR 0 to 8.0, p < 0.001), EQ5D-5L (median change: 0.078, IQR 0.03 to 0.20, p < 0.001 and 0.071, IQR 0.02 to 0.25, p < 0.001) and the PSFS (median change: 1.3 IQR 0 to 2.6, p = 0.005 and 2.3 IQR -0.3 to 3.3, p = 0.016). In addition, significant improvements were found for 1RM leg-press and knee-extension scores on both the affected and unaffected legs. Conclusion: The Kneefit programme was successful at improving both functional and strength-related outcome measures in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Our findings suggest that tailoring strength exercises based on the 1RM strength-training principles is feasible in this population.

Recommendations for the delivery of therapeutic exercise for people with knee and/or hip osteoarthritis. An international consensus study from the OARSI Rehabilitation Discussion Group

OBJECTIVE

To develop evidence-informed recommendations to support the delivery of best practice therapeutic exercise for people with knee and/or hip osteoarthritis (OA).

DESIGN

A multi-stage, evidence-informed, international multi-disciplinary consensus process that included: 1) a narrative literature review to synthesise existing evidence; 2) generation of evidence-informed proposition statements about delivery of exercise for people with knee and/or hip OA by an international multi-disciplinary expert panel, with statements refined and analysed thematically; 3) an e-Delphi survey with the expert panel to gain consensus on the most important statements; 4) a final round of statement refinement and thematic analysis to group remaining statements into domains.

RESULTS

The expert panel included 318 members (academics, health care professionals and exercise providers, patient representatives) from 43 countries. Final recommendations comprised 54 specific proposition statements across 11 broad domains: 1) use an evidence-based approach; 2) consider exercise in the context of living with OA and pain; 3) undertake a comprehensive baseline assessment with follow-up; 4) set goals; 5) consider the type of exercise; 6) consider the dose of exercise; 7) modify and progress exercise; 8) individualise exercise; 9) optimise the delivery of exercise; 10) focus on exercise adherence; and 11) provide education about OA and the role of exercise.

CONCLUSION

The breadth of issues identified as important by the international diverse expert panel highlights that delivering therapeutic exercise for OA is multi-dimensional and complex.

What should a toolkit to aid the delivery of therapeutic exercise for hip and knee osteoarthritis look like? Qualitative analysis of an international survey of 318 researchers, clinicians, and consumers by the OARSI Rehabilitation Discussion Group

BACKGROUND

We aimed to identify important components of, and practical resources relevant for inclusion in, a toolkit to aid exercise delivery for people with hip/knee osteoarthritis.

METHOD

An online international multi-disciplinary survey was conducted across 43 countries (139 clinicians, 44 people with hip/knee osteoarthritis and 135 osteoarthritis researchers). Participants were presented with the seeding statement 'Practical resources to aid the implementation of exercise for people with hip/knee osteoarthritis should…' and asked to provide up to 10 open text responses. Responses underwent refinement and qualitative content analysis to create domains and categories.

RESULTS

Refinement of 551 open text responses yielded 72 unique statements relevant for analysis. Statements were organised into nine broad domains, suggesting that resources to aid exercise delivery should: (1) be easily accessible; (2) be of high quality; (3) be developed by, and for, stakeholders; (4) include different ways of delivering information; (5) include different types of resources to support exercise and non-exercise components of self-management; (6) include resources on recommended exercises and how to perform/progress them; (7) include tools to support motivation and track progress; (8) include resources to enable tailoring of the programme to the individual and; (9) facilitate access to professional and peer support.

CONCLUSION

Our findings identified important components of, and practical resources to include within, a toolkit to aid delivery of exercise for people with hip/knee osteoarthritis. These findings have implications for exercise providers and lay the foundation for the development of a toolkit to help ensure exercise provision aligns with current international recommendations.

Therapeutic exercise interventions in rat models of arthritis

Arthritis is the leading cause of musculoskeletal pain and disability worldwide. Nearly 50% of individuals over the age of 65 have arthritis, which contributes to limited function, articular pain, physical inactivity, and diminished quality of life. Therapeutic exercise is often recommended in clinical settings for patients experiencing arthritic pain, however, there is little practical guidance regarding the use of therapeutic exercise to alleviate arthritic musculoskeletal pain. Rodent models of arthritis allow researchers to control experimental variables, which cannot be done with human participants, providing an opportunity to test therapeutic approaches in preclinical models. This literature review provides a summary of published findings in therapeutic exercise interventions in rat models of arthritis as well as gaps in the existing literature. We reveal that preclinical research in this field has yet to adequately investigate the impact of experimental variables in therapeutic exercise including their modality, intensity, duration, and frequency on joint pathophysiology and pain outcomes.

Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) updated Position Statement on exercise and physical activity for people with hip/knee osteoarthritis

This Position Statement is an update to the existing statement. It is intended for all health practitioners who manage people with hip/knee osteoarthritis. It synthesises the most recent evidence (with a focus on clinical guidelines and systematic reviews) for exercise in people with hip/knee osteoarthritis, and provides guidance to practitioners about how best to implement exercise in clinical practice. Clinical practice guidelines for hip/knee osteoarthritis advocate physical activity and exercise as fundamental core components of evidence-based management. Research evidence indicates that exercise can reduce joint pain, increase physical function, and improve quality of life in hip/knee osteoarthritis, and that a range of exercise types (both supervised and unsupervised) may be beneficial. Exercise dosage should be guided by the principles of the American College of Sports Medicine. As people with osteoarthritis experience many barriers to exercise, practitioners should take an active role in monitoring and promoting adherence to exercise in order to optimise therapeutic benefits.

Comparison of a Group-/Home-Based and a Weight-Machine-Based Exercise Training for Patients with Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis-A Secondary Analysis of Two Trial Interventions in a Real-World Context

This study aimed to compare an individual weight-machine-based strengthening program (MbT) with a group-/homebased training offering strengthening/functional exercises (GHT) in a general health care setting. A total of 657 participants (GHT = 521, MbT = 136) suffering from hip/knee OA were included and analysed with a pre-post design (baseline (T0)/3-months (T1)). Primary outcomes were pain and physical functioning (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, range 0-10). Additionally, adherence and perceived patient benefit were measured (T1). Data were analysed with linear mixed models (time, treatment, baseline pain/physical impairment severity) adjusted for patient characteristics. No significant between-group differences in pain reduction/functional improvements (time*treatment*baseline pain/physical impairment severity, pain/function: n.s.; time*treatment, pain: p = 0.884, function: p = 0.067). Within-group improvements were dependent on baseline severity: Higher severity levels demonstrated larger changes from baseline. Perceived patient-benefit (very high to high, GHT: 78%, MbT: 92%) and exercise adherence (Dropouts T1: GHT: 27.8%, MbT: 16.2%; adherence to supervised sessions: GHT: 89%, MbT: 92%) was slightly better in the MbT. In summary, both MbT and GHT, showed positive results for patients with at least moderate disease symptoms. Findings for physical functioning, perceived patient-benefit, exercise adherence hint towards a superiority of MbT. Individual preferences should be considered when prescribing exercise therapy. Trial registration: (1) German Clinical Trial Register DRKS00009251. Registered 10 September 2015. (2) German Clinical Trial Register DRKS00009257. Registered 11 September 2015.

Exercise adherence Mobile app for Knee Osteoarthritis: protocol for the MappKO randomised controlled trial

Background

In people with knee osteoarthritis (OA), ongoing exercise participation, particularly with strengthening exercises, is central to management. Patient adherence to prescribed exercise typically declines once consultations with a clinician have ceased. Mobile applications (apps) can incorporate behaviour change techniques that may assist adherence, potentially optimising clinical outcomes.

Methods

This is a two-arm, pragmatic, superiority randomised trial. One hundred and eighty two Australians with chronic knee pain (clinical knee OA) and who have at least a mild level of physical dysfunction are being recruited. Participants are randomly allocated i) exercise (physiotherapist-prescribed exercise) or; ii) exercise plus app (physiotherapist-prescribed exercise plus access to the ‘My Exercise Messages’ mobile app). Exercise care comprises two videoconferencing consultations with a physiotherapist over two weeks (30 min each) for a strengthening exercise program, which is then conducted independently at home for 24 weeks without any further physiotherapist consultations. Participants are also provided with exercise resources to facilitate home-based exercise. Those randomised to exercise plus app will download the app after completing the two weeks of physiotherapy consultations and will be instructed by research staff to use the app for the 24 weeks of unsupervised home-based exercises. The app works by tracking completion of weekly exercise sessions, providing regular messages to facilitate weekly exercise and providing personalised messages to help overcome individual barriers to exercise participation. The two primary outcomes are i) self-reported physical function; and ii) number of days strengthening exercises were performed (previous fortnight), with a primary endpoint of 26 weeks and a secondary endpoint of 14 weeks. Secondary outcomes include knee pain severity; knee-related quality of life; global change; exercise program satisfaction; exercise self-efficacy; physical activity; sport and recreation function; another measure of exercise adherence; and willingness to undergo joint replacement. Process measures are also included.

Discussion

Findings will determine if a theory-informed mobile app improves exercise adherence and physical function in people with knee OA who have received a home-based strengthening program.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12621000724875. Prospectively registered 9/06/2021.

People With Knee Osteoarthritis Attending Physical Therapy Have Broad Education Needs and Prioritize Information About Surgery and Exercise: A Concept Mapping Study

OBJECTIVES

To (1) identify the education priorities of people with knee osteoarthritis, including perceived importance and confidence that a health care professional can address each, and (2) match priorities to education-specific content recommendations in knee osteoarthritis management guidelines.

DESIGN

Concept mapping methodology.

METHODS

Participants generated, sorted (based on themes), and rated (5-point Likert scales: importance and confidence) education priorities. Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis of sorting data produced a cluster map with overarching domains. Priorities were matched against education-specific content recommendations in knee osteoarthritis guidelines.

RESULTS

Participants (brainstorming, n = 43; sorting and rating, n = 24) generated 76 priorities. A 4-domain, 11-cluster map was the most useful representation of sorting data: (i) understanding treatment options (relationship of education and exercise with surgery, adjunct options, treatment decision making); (ii) exercise therapy (how to exercise, why exercise); (iii) understanding and managing the condition (symptom management, understanding symptoms, understanding the condition); and (4) surgical, medical, and dietary management (surgery, medications, diet and supplements). The "relationship of education and exercise with surgery" (3.88/5), "surgery" (3.86/5), and "how to exercise" (3.78/5) clusters were rated highest for importance. Few priorities identified by participants were clearly recommended as education-specific content recommendations in the American College of Rheumatology (3%, n = 2/76), European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (12%, n = 9/76), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (16%, n = 12/76), and Osteoarthritis Research Society International (1%, n = 1/76) guidelines.

CONCLUSION

People with knee osteoarthritis presenting to physical therapists have broad education needs and prioritize information about surgery and exercise. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2022;52(9):595-606. Epub: 17 June 2022. doi:10.2519/jospt.2022.11089.

Physical Therapists Prioritize Providing Education About Exercise Therapy and to Dispel Misconceptions About Radiology for People With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Concept Mapping Study

OBJECTIVE

To (1) identify the education priorities that physical therapists have for people with knee osteoarthritis, including perceived importance and capability to provide, and (2) match priorities to education-specific content recommendations in knee osteoarthritis guidelines.

DESIGN

Concept mapping methodology.

METHODS

Physical therapists generated, sorted (based on themes), and rated (5-point Likert scales: importance and capability) patient education priorities. Priorities were matched against education-specific content recommendations in knee osteoarthritis guidelines. Additional education-specific content recommendations were added from guidelines and expert opinion if necessary. Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis produced a cluster map with overarching domains.

RESULTS

Physical therapists (brainstorming, n = 41; sorting, n = 20; rating, n = 22) generated 56 priorities, with 13 added (n = 2 from guidelines, n = 11 from expert opinion). Few priorities were clearly included as education-specific content recommendations in guidelines (ACR [2%, n = 1/56], EULAR [14%, 8/56], NICE [11%, 6/56], and OARSI [0%, 0/56]). An 8-cluster map emerged with 3 overarching domains: (i) first-line care (exercise therapy, lifestyle modification and general health, and weight management), (ii) knowledge formation and countering misconceptions (radiology misconceptions, understanding and managing pain and disability, and general beliefs and understanding about osteoarthritis), and (iii) decision making for medical management (surgery and medications). The exercise therapy cluster was rated the highest for both importance (3.84/5) and capability (4.00). The medications and weight management clusters were rated the lowest for importance (2.54) and capability (2.82), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Physical therapists prioritize a range of education topics for people with knee osteoarthritis, focusing on exercise therapy. Physical therapists feel least capable of providing weight management education. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2022;52(9):607-619. Epub: 17 June 2022. doi:10.2519/jospt.2022.11090.

Treatment Options for Patellofemoral Arthritis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To present a synthesis of recent literature regarding the treatment of patellofemoral arthritis RECENT FINDINGS: Risk factors of PFJ OA include patella malalignment or maltracking, injury to supportive structures including the MPFL, dysfunction of hamstring and quadriceps coordination, lower limb alignment, trochlear dysplasia, patellar trauma, or ACL surgery. Special physical exam maneuvers include patellar grind test, apprehension test, and lateral patellar tilt angle. Radiographs that should be obtained first-line include weight bearing bilateral AP, lateral, and Merchant views. CT and MRI are used to assess trochlear dysplasia, excessive patellar height, and TT-TG distance. Non-operative management options discussed include non-pharmacologic treatment (patient education, self-management, physical therapy, weight loss), ESWT, cold therapy, taping, bracing, and orthotics. Pharmacologic management options discussed include NSAIDs, acetaminophen, oral narcotics, and duloxetine. Injection therapies include glucocorticoids, hyaluronic acid, PRP, and other regenerative therapies (BMAC, adipose, or mesenchymal stem cells). Other treatment options include radiofrequency ablation and botulinum toxin. The algorithm for the surgical treatment of PFJ OA can begin with arthroscopic assessment of the PF articular cartilage to address mechanical symptoms and to evaluate/treat lateral soft tissue with or without overhanging lateral osteophytes. If patients fail to have symptomatic improvement, a TTO can be considered in those patients less than 50 years of age or active patients >50 years old. In patients with severe PFJ OA, refractory to the above treatments, PFA should be considered. While early PFA design and technique were less than encouraging, more recent implant design and surgical technique have demonstrated robust results in the literature. Patellofemoral osteoarthritis is a challenging orthopedic problem to treat, in that it can often affect younger patients, with otherwise well-functioning knees. It is a unique entity compared to TF OA with distinct epidemiology, biomechanics and risk factors and treatment options.

Musculoskeletal pain and sedentary behaviour in occupational and non-occupational settings: a systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sedentary behaviour (SB; time spent sitting) is associated with musculoskeletal pain (MSP) conditions; however, no prior systematic review has examined these associations according to SB domains. We synthesised evidence on occupational and non-occupational SB and MSP conditions.

METHODS

Guided by a PRISMA protocol, eight databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus, and AMED) and three grey literature sources (Google Scholar, WorldChat, and Trove) were searched (January 1, 2000, to March 17, 2021) for original quantitative studies of adults ≥ 18 years. Clinical-condition studies were excluded. Studies' risk of bias was assessed using the QualSyst checklist. For meta-analyses, random effect inverse-variance pooled effect size was estimated; otherwise, best-evidence synthesis was used for narrative review.

RESULTS

Of 178 potentially-eligible studies, 79 were included [24 general population; 55 occupational (incuding15 experimental/intervention)]; 56 studies were of high quality, with scores > 0.75. Data for 26 were meta-synthesised. For cross-sectional studies of non-occupational SB, meta-analysis showed full-day SB to be associated with low back pain [LBP - OR = 1.19(1.03 - 1.38)]. Narrative synthesis found full-day SB associations with knee pain, arthritis, and general MSP, but the evidence was insufficient on associations with neck/shoulder pain, hip pain, and upper extremities pain. Evidence of prospective associations of full-day SB with MSP conditions was insufficient. Also, there was insufficient evidence on both cross-sectional and prospective associations between leisure-time SB and MSP conditions. For occupational SB, cross-sectional studies meta-analysed indicated associations of self-reported workplace sitting with LBP [OR = 1.47(1.12 - 1.92)] and neck/shoulder pain [OR = 1.73(1.46 - 2.03)], but not with extremities pain [OR = 1.17(0.65 - 2.11)]. Best-evidence synthesis identified inconsistent findings on cross-sectional association and a probable negative prospective association of device-measured workplace sitting with LBP-intensity in tradespeople. There was cross-sectional evidence on the association of computer time with neck/shoulder pain, but insufficient evidence for LBP and general MSP. Experimental/intervention evidence indicated reduced LBP, neck/shoulder pain, and general MSP with reducing workplace sitting.

CONCLUSIONS

We found cross-sectional associations of occupational and non-occupational SB with MSP conditions, with occupational SB associations being occupation dependent, however, reverse causality bias cannot be ruled out. While prospective evidence was inconclusive, reducing workplace sitting was associated with reduced MSP conditions. Future studies should emphasise prospective analyses and examining potential interactions with chronic diseases.

PROTOCOL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO ID # CRD42020166412 (Amended to limit the scope).

Effects of Diet Control and Telemedicine-Based Resistance Exercise Intervention on Patients with Obesity and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Control Trial

This study investigated the effects of home-based nutritional and telemedicine-based resistance exercise interventions on improving body composition, blood biochemistry, and lower-limb functional performance. In total, 66 obese patients with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis were randomly divided into a diet control group (D), elastic band resistance exercise group (E), and diet control plus elastic band exercise group (D + E). Each group was supervised by a clinical dietitian and follow-up was conducted via telephone calls or a communication application to track the participants’ progress. After 12 weeks of intervention, the D (p < 0.001) and D + E (p < 0.001) groups achieved significant weight loss. The D + E group exhibited a significant reduction in body fat relative to the D (p = 0.019) and E (p = 0.012) groups. Compared with the D (p = 0.002) and E (p = 0.019) groups, the D + E group achieved significant improvements in the timed up-and-go test and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis total scale. The D + E group experienced significant improvements in total cholesterol (p = 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.01), and triglyceride levels (p = 0.007) relative to other groups. In conclusion, individual diet control intervention combined with telemedicine-based resistance exercise intervention significantly improved the body composition, blood biochemistry, and lower-limb functional performance of the investigated population with comorbid conditions.