Mixed Methods assessment of Exercises for Knee OA V1.0

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Mixed methods study to evaluate pain, function, postural stabilisation, and fear of movement following a lower limb exercise programme for Knee Osteoarthritis

  • IRAS ID

    154227

  • Contact name

    JAMES MOLYNEUX

  • Contact email

    jimmy.molyneux@bridgewater.nhs.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Salford

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition that causes cartilage loss, bony remodelling, generalized muscle weakness, and joint stiffness 90% of OA presentation has been reported within the leg with 44% affecting the knee joint. Knee OA is expected to increase by 50% over the next twenty years due to an ageing population, obesity, and societal trends such as lack of activity. Only 13% of knee OA sufferers reach the recommended levels of exercise therefore an understanding of how psychological and functional relationships effect exercise engagement, which in turn would provide a more comprehensive rehabilitation programme for patients with knee OA. The aim of this study is to investigate exercise in knee OA and the correlation with fear of movement, using a mixed methods approach. Quantitative methodology will investigate lower limb exercises for pain and function and fear of movement. The desired outcome of the study will show that a reduction in pain with patient specific exercise will also reduce the fear of movement and allow patients to self-manage their symptoms without fear. Other quantitative factors such as intensity of exercise and postural stabilization using the Y balance test will also be utilized to review the functional relationship of muscle strength and balance to kinesiophobia. A semi-structured interview will be completed at the end of the course of treatment to highlight what patients think about exercise as an intervention. Participants aged forty-five and above with specific clinical symptoms will be invited into the study and will be asked to attend eight exercise sessions within a class environment, which will last for 1 hour within the Physiotherapy Department in Leigh Health Centre.

  • REC name

    South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    16/SW/0036

  • Date of REC Opinion

    8 Feb 2016

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion