• Michael A Hunt, Francis J Keefe, Christina Bryant, Ben R Metcalf, Yasmin Ahamed, Michael K Nicholas, and Kim L Bennell.
• Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. michael.hunt@ubc.ca
• Knee. 2013 Mar 1;20(2):106-12.

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is associated with a number of physical and psychological impairments. Unfortunately, very few treatment strategies are capable of addressing both types of impairments concurrently. We performed a pilot, randomized controlled, proof of principle trial investigating the feasibility and effects of an intervention combining physical exercise and pain coping skills training (PCST).MethodsTwenty patients with a clinical and radiographical diagnosis of tibiofemoral OA were randomized to receive either 10 weeks of physiotherapist supervised exercises (lower limb strengthening and walking) combined with non-directive counseling (NDC) or the same exercise program delivered concurrently with PCST. Primary outcomes included self-reported pain and pain coping, while secondary outcomes included self efficacy and self-reported physical function.ResultsTen participants were randomized to each group and both groups exhibited significant improvements in isometric knee strength, self-reported knee pain and physical function, self efficacy for control of pain management and other arthritis symptoms. Only those in the exercise + PCST group reported statistically significant improvements in pain control coping and rational thinking. No between-group differences existed in any outcome (0.07 < p < 0.98). Based on our findings, 63 participants per group would be needed for future large-scale studies using similar outcome measures and design.ConclusionsOur study showed that an intervention that combines exercise and PCST within the same treatment session and delivered by specially-trained physiotherapists is feasible and can improve both physical and psychological outcomes in individuals with knee OA.Level Of EvidenceLevel II Clinical Trials Registry number: ACTRN12609000623291.Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

21 keywords...

hide…