Alternative models to support weight loss in chronic musculoskeletal conditions: effectiveness of a physiotherapist-delivered intensive diet programme for knee osteoarthritis, the POWER randomised controlled trial.

Objectives: To determine if physiotherapists can deliver a clinically effective very low energy diet (VLED) supplementary to exercise in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and overweight or obesity.

Methods: 88 participants with knee OA and body mass index (BMI) >27 kg/m were randomised to either intervention (n=42: VLED including two daily meal replacement products supplementary to control) or control (n=46: exercise). Both interventions were delivered by unblinded physiotherapists via six videoconference sessions over 6 months.