None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Knee osteoarthritis affects around 25% of adults over 55. While exercise is the recommended primary intervention, pain, deconditioning and fear of falling impacts on exercise adherence, and adds to the disability cycle. A feasibility study, using quantitative and qualitative methods, will be undertaken determining viability of a larger clinical trial. A Feldenkrais Method intervention, using guided ‘awareness through movement’ lessons, will be used aiming to minimise pain-related habitual patterns, and improve sensorimotor planning and mobility. Fifteen participants (55yrs+) will be recruited from the community and randomised to a control or intervention group, with a cross-over arm. Three to 4 movement workshops of ~ 3hrs duration will be undertaken, with a control physical activity diary. Pre/post and follow-up measures will be undertaken at week 1, 4, 8 and 12. Clinical and patient reported measures will be used, and exit focus group / interviews to evidence a larger robust clinical trial.
Interventions
Feldenkrais Method:
The intervention will be gentle self-regulated ‘awareness through movement’ Feldenkrais Method sessions, guided by a Feldenkrais practitioner (also a podiatrist or physiotherapist) at the Western Sydney University campus.
The intervention includes 4 movement workshops of 3 hr duration, performed once per week. Intervention length is 1.5 hours, with the remainder of the time used for measurements and socialisation after the intervention.
The Feldenkrais intervention is d
Feldenkrais Method: The intervention will be gentle self-regulated ‘awareness through movement’ Feldenkrais Method sessions, guided by a Feldenkrais practitioner (also a podiatrist or physiotherapist) at the Western Sydney University campus. The intervention includes 4 movement workshops of 3 hr duration, performed once per week. Intervention length is 1.5 hours, with the remainder of the time used for measurements and socialisation after the intervention. The Feldenkrais intervention is delivered face to face by the practitioner, to groups of 2 to 6 participants. Target intensity is low, participants are advised they should be comfortable and able to talk easily at the correct level of intensity. There are regular rest periods between techniques. All Feldenkrais sessions will be conducted in positions of support i.e seated position, or use of a back of a chair, or wall for support, to minimise falls risk. Adherence is monitored by the number of times participants attend sessions. Observation of classes by practitioner also ensures participants are engaging in the activity. This is a cross-over trial. After the intial 4 week intervention the intervention group has no more active intervention, but is followed up at 4 and 8 weeks post intervention.
Sponsors
Western Sydney University
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Crossover
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
55 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
• Positive knee OA radiographic image of either both or one femoral tibial knee according to the clinical and radiographic criteria, Kellgren and Lawrence Scale, or clinical diagnoses according to the EULAR guidelines based on presence of three symptoms (pain on use, short-lived morning stiffness and functional limitation) and three signs of knee osteoarthritis (crepitus, restricted movement, and articular instability) • Age 55 years or over. • Independently walking with no ambulatory aids; • Current/ recent knee pain.
Exclusion criteria
• Non-English literacy/speaking and/or impaired cognitive ability, thereby unable to understand instructions or provide informed consent • Co-morbidities that restrict walking safety and capacity • Impaired hearing with inability to hear instructions
Outcome results
None listed