None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The trial aims to determine the effectiveness of a self-directed 12-week online Tai Chi program plus online educational information supported by the “My Exercise Messages” app on the primary outcomes of knee pain during walking and physical function at 12 weeks when compared to an online educational information control for people with knee OA. Following baseline assessment, participants (people with knee osteoarthritis who meet eligibility criteria) will be randomly allocated to one of two groups i) intervention - 12-week self-directed online Tai Chi program “MyJoint Tai Chi program” plus online educational information and an exercise adherence support app (“My Exercise Messages” app), or ii) control - online educational information alone. The intervention group will have access to a self-directed online 12-week Tai Chi program guided by an instructor delivering the program in a pre-recorded video format. The study hypothesis is that the Tai Chi intervention plus online educational information group supported by “My Exercise Messages” app will have greater benefits in improving pain and function compared to the online educational information group for people with knee osteoarthritis.
Interventions
Participants in the intervention group will have access to a bespoke website (“MyJoint Tai Chi”). The "MyJoint Tai Chi" website is designed specifically for this study. It contains i) educational information about osteoarthritis and exercise management and Tai Chi; ii) a self-directed 12-week progressive Tai Chi program; and iii) information about an app (“My Exercise Messages”) to support their adherence to the Tai Chi program.
The educational materials on the website will be provided in onl
Participants in the intervention group will have access to a bespoke website (“MyJoint Tai Chi”). The "MyJoint Tai Chi" website is designed specifically for this study. It contains i) educational information about osteoarthritis and exercise management and Tai Chi; ii) a self-directed 12-week progressive Tai Chi program; and iii) information about an app (“My Exercise Messages”) to support their adherence to the Tai Chi program. The educational materials on the website will be provided in online written format as well as online videos (each lasting no more than 5 minutes). The online videos contain interviews of people with osteoarthritis and osteoarthritis experts. The website recommends that participants read the educational material and watch the videos. The self-directed Tai Chi program on the website is guided by an instructor delivering the program in a series of 12 pre-recorded videos (one per week). Each video (40-45 mins) includes a warm-up consisting of an introduction by the instructor, standing meditation, breathing exercises, and Qigong. The central portion of each video utilises a modified 10-form Yang style Tai Chi which involves slow and controlled movements. Modifications to the movements were made to ensure suitability for people with lower limb osteoarthritis and little prior Tai Chi experience. Each video ends with a cool-down consisting of breathing practices and relaxation exercises. The 12-week program starts with simple Tai Chi movements with new movements progressively added throughout the program. Participants will be able to undertake the program in their home using their own device at a time of their choosing. They will be asked to complete the Tai Chi program 3 times per week for 12 weeks. Google analytics will be used to track website activity of the individuals using the site. The website recommends that participants also use a free app (“My Exercise Messages”) that is downloadable from the App Store (Apple devices) and Google Play Store (Android devices) to help them adhere to the Tai Chi program. The app allows participants to input the number of Tai Chi sessions they undertake each week and provides them with tailored behaviour change messages.
Sponsors
The University of Melbourne
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Investigator)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
45 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
i) National Institute for Health and Care Excellence clinical criteria for knee osteoarthritis: a. aged 45 years and over; b. activity-related knee joint pain; c. no morning knee stiffness or morning knee stiffness 30 minutes or less; ii) live in Australia; iii) report knee pain for 3 months or more; iv) report knee pain on most days in the past month; v) report overall average knee pain in the past week during walking equal to or greater than 4 on 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS: 0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain possible); vi) have a home internet connection and a computer/tablet device that enables access to the internet vii) have a suitable smartphone to download an app viii) able to give informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
i) inability to speak or read English; ii) recent knee surgery (past 6 months); iii) on waiting list for/planning knee surgery in next 3 months; iv) previous knee joint replacement on affected side; v) participated in regular (one or more times per week) exercise (home-based leg strengthening exercises, swimming/water exercises, cycling or attending a gym or group exercise classes such as Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates) over the past 3 months; vi) unable to walk unaided (without use of a frame or walking stick); vii) self-reported inflammatory arthritis (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis); viii) history of fall (past 12 months) and no general practitioner (GP) clearance to participate; ix) house-bound due to immobility and no GP clearance to participate; x) have a health condition(s) listed on the Exercise and Sports Science Australia stage 1 pre-exercise screening questionnaire that might compromise exercise safety and do not receive medical clearance from a GP to participate; xi) unable to commit to study requirements; and/or xii) currently taking part in another OA study.
Outcome results
None listed