A Qualitative Evaluation of Two Electronic-Rehabilitation Programmes for Managing Persistent Knee Pain.

Introduction: Persistent knee pain often due to knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent and disabling condition. Electronic-rehabilitation (e-rehab) programmes have the potential to support self-management of knee OA. This study aimed to evaluate user engagement and acceptability of two e-rehab programmes, Group e-rehab, a remote physiotherapy-led programme and My Knee UK, a self-directed web-based exercise programme.

Relationship between number of different lower-limb resistance exercises prescribed in a program and exercise outcomes in people with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review with meta-regression.

Objective: Determine whether there is a relationship between the number of different lower-limb resistance exercises prescribed in a program and outcomes for people with knee osteoarthritis.

Methods: Systematic review with meta-regression. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, and Embase up to 4th January 2024.

An unsupervised online Tai Chi program for people with knee osteoarthritis ("My Joint Tai Chi"): Study protocol for the RETREAT randomised controlled trial.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading contributor to global disability, with exercise proven to be an effective treatment. Tai Chi is a recommended type of exercise, but it is primarily done in person which imposes an accessibility issue. This study aims to evaluate the effects of an online unsupervised program, when provided with online educational information and exercise adherence support, on changes in knee pain and physical function, when compared to online education control for people with knee OA.

Understanding Negative and Positive Feelings About Telerehabilitation in People With Chronic Knee Pain: A Mixed-Methods Study.

To explore (1) initial feelings of people with knee osteoarthritis who are unexpectedly offered telerehabilitation, and (2) if their experiences met their expectations, and their willingness to use telerehabilitation in the future. Mixed-methods study of 122 people with knee osteoarthritis who were randomized to receive physiotherapist-delivered telerehabilitation in a clinical trial. At enrollment in the trial, participants were unaware care would be delivered via telerehabilitation.

Osteoarthritis Year In Review 2024: Rehabilitation and outcomes.

This Year in Review presents key highlights from recent research relating to osteoarthritis rehabilitation and its outcomes, defined as any non-pharmacological and non-surgical treatment that aims to improve osteoarthritis symptoms at any joint. Three databases (Medline, Embase, and CINAHL Plus) were searched between 1 March 2023 to 12 March 2024. Relevant studies were chosen based on the predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria, perceived clinical importance, quality, controversy in the field, or personal interest, and organised into four overarching themes (with 1-5 sub-themes each).

Exploring Experiences of People With Knee Osteoarthritis Who Received a Physiotherapist-Delivered Dietary Weight Loss and Exercise Intervention: A Mixed Methods Study.

Objective: Explore the experiences of people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) who received a very low energy diet (VLED) and exercise program from a physiotherapist.

Methods: Mixed methods study involving questionnaires (n = 42) and semistructured interviews (n = 22) with randomized control trial participants with knee OA who had received a 6-month physiotherapist-delivered VLED weight loss and exercise intervention. Questionnaires measured participant satisfaction and perceptions about physiotherapist's skills/knowledge in delivery of the dietary intervention (measured on 5-7 point Likert scales).

Associations between static foot posture, dynamic in-shoe plantar foot forces and knee pain in people with medial knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional exploratory study.

Objective: To investigate relationships between static foot posture, dynamic plantar foot forces and knee pain in people with medial knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Design: Data from 164 participants with symptomatic, moderate to severe radiographic medial knee OA were analysed. Knee pain was self-reported using a numerical rating scale (NRS; scores 0-10; higher scores worse) and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score pain subscale (KOOS; scores 0-100; lower scores worse).

Prioritisation of clinical trial learning needs of musculoskeletal researchers: an inter-disciplinary modified Delphi study by the Australia & New Zealand musculoskeletal clinical trials network.

Background: There is a need to increase the capacity and capability of musculoskeletal researchers to design, conduct, and report high-quality clinical trials. The objective of this study was to identify and prioritise clinical trial learning needs of musculoskeletal researchers in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Findings will be used to inform development of an e-learning musculoskeletal clinical trials course.

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.

Telerehabilitation consultations with a physiotherapist for chronic knee pain versus in-person consultations in Australia: the PEAK non-inferiority randomised controlled trial.

Background: Telerehabilitation is perceived as less effective than in-person care for musculoskeletal problems. We aimed to determine if physiotherapy video conferencing consultations were non-inferior to in-person consultations for chronic knee pain.

Methods: In this non-inferiority randomised controlled trial, we recruited primary care physiotherapists from 27 Australian clinics.

Evaluation of Patient-Facing Mobile Apps to Support Physiotherapy Care: Systematic Review.

Background: Mobile health interventions delivered through mobile apps are increasingly used in physiotherapy care. This may be because of the potential of apps to facilitate changes in behavior, which is central to the aims of care delivered by physiotherapists. A benefit of using apps is their ability to incorporate behavior change techniques (BCTs) that can optimize the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic interventions.

Effectiveness of a telehealth-delivered clinician-supported exercise and weight loss program for hip osteoarthritis - protocol for the Better Hip randomised controlled trial.

Background: Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of chronic pain and disability worldwide. Self-management is vital with education, exercise and weight loss core recommended treatments. However, evidence-practice gaps exist, and service models that increase patient accessibility to clinicians who can support lifestyle management are needed.

Referral Patterns for People With Musculoskeletal Complaints in General Practice: An Analysis From an Australian Primary Care Database.

Objective: Our objective was to examine referral patterns for people with musculoskeletal complaints presenting to Australian general practitioners (GPs).

Methods: This longitudinal analysis from the Population Level Analysis Reporting (POLAR) database includes 133,279 patients with low back (≥18 years old) or neck, shoulder, and/or knee (≥45 years old) complaints seen by 4,538 GPs across 269 practices from 2014 through 2018. Referrals to allied health and medical and/or surgical specialists were included.

A self-directed digital exercise program for hip osteoarthritis ("My Hip Exercise"): protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading global cause of chronic pain and disability. Given there is no cure for OA, patient self management is vital with education and exercise being core recommended treatments. However, there is under-utilisation of these treatments due to a range of clinician and patient factors.

Lessons learnt from a nationally funded training and mentoring programme for early-mid career musculoskeletal researchers in Australia.

Introduction: Quality training and mentoring are crucial components of successful career development for early mid career researchers (EMCRs). This paper describes the overarching framework of novel ongoing national Training and Mentoring Programme Melbourne University Sydney Queensland:Impact (MUSQ:Impact) for musculoskeletal researchers, including a description of how it was set up and established, and lessons learned from its implementation.

Results: The MUSQ:Impact programme spans four multidisciplinary musculoskeletal research teams across three universities in Australia, comprising 40-60 EMCR members.

Effects of Hip Pain Diagnostic Labels and Their Explanations on Beliefs About Hip Pain and How to Manage It: An Online Randomized Controlled Trial.

To compare the effects of diagnostic labels and their explanations on people's beliefs about managing hip pain. Online randomized controlled trial involving 626 participants. Participants aged ≥45 years with and without hip pain considered a hypothetical scenario (initial doctor consultation for hip pain).

One step at a time. Shaping consensus on research priorities and terminology in telehealth in musculoskeletal pain: an international modified e-Delphi study.

Background: Telehealth has emerged as an alternative model for treatment delivery and has become an important component of health service delivery. However, there is inconsistency in the use of terminologies and a lack of research priorities in telehealth in musculoskeletal pain. The purpose of this international, multidisciplinary expert panel assembled in a modified three-round e-Delphi survey is to achieve a consensus on research priorities and for the standard terminology for musculoskeletal pain telehealth practice.

The OARSI Joint Effort Initiative: Priorities for osteoarthritis management program implementation and research 2024-2028.

Objective: The Joint Effort Initiative (JEI) is an international collaboration of clinicians, researchers, and consumer organisations with a shared vision of improving the implementation of osteoarthritis management programs (OAMPs). This study aimed to identify JEI's future priorities and guide direction.

Design: A two-part international survey to prioritise topics of importance to our membership and research stakeholders.

Exploring attitudes of people with chronic health conditions towards the use of group-based telerehabilitation: A qualitative study.

Objective: The study explores the attitudes of people with chronic health conditions towards the use of group-based telerehabilitation.

Design: A qualitative research study.

Setting: The setting involved semi-structured focus groups via videoconferencing software.

'I saw it as a marriage-You can't have one without the other': A qualitative study of patient and physiotherapist experiences with a therapeutic combined strength and aerobic physical activity exercise programme for hip osteoarthritis.

Introduction: To explore physiotherapist and patient experiences with, and acceptability of, a 12-week physiotherapist-guided combined strength and aerobic physical activity exercise programme for hip osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 13 people with hip OA and four physiotherapists. Patients underwent a 12-week home exercise programme customised by weekly visits with one of the four physiotherapists.

Development of a consumer involvement strategy for a small university-based musculoskeletal research centre.

Objective: To develop a Consumer Involvement Strategy which adheres to best practice recommendations and is feasible to implement in a small musculoskeletal research centre funded solely by external grants.

Methods: The Strategy development involved five collaborative and iterative stages: (1) conceptualisation and initial consultation; (2) formation of the Consumer Involvement Strategy Action Group; (3) defining the scope and developing the strategy; (4) consultation and refinement; and (5) presentation and implementation. The final three stages were overseen by a Consumer Involvement Strategy Action Group comprising two post-doctoral research fellows, a PhD student representative, and two consumers (people with osteoarthritis), all with experience in consumer involvement activities in research.