Abstract
BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is not limited to joint pain and stiffness, which can lead to disability; it is also linked to comorbidities such as overweight, obesity and fears and beliefs related to the pathology. The knee OA population appears more affected by these risk factors and has a lower physical activity (PA) level than the general population. The key challenge for OA treatment is increasing the PA level to decrease the risk factors.MethodsWe aim to perform a prospective, multicentric, quasi-randomized controlled trial with an alternate-month design (1-month periods). People aged 50–75 years old with symptomatic knee OA (stage I-IV Kellgren and Lawrence scale) with low and moderate PA level will be included in 3 spa therapy resorts. The experimental arm will receive 5 self-management exercise sessions (1.5 h each; education, aerobics, strength training, range of motion) + an information booklet + 18 sessions (1 h each) of spa therapy treatment (STT). The active comparator arm will receive an information booklet + 18 sessions of STT. The primary outcome will be a change at 3 months in PA level (International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form score). Secondary outcomes will be function (WOMAC) pain (numerical scale), anxiety/depression (HAD), fears and beliefs about OA (KOFBeQ) and arthritis self-efficacy (ASES). The barriers to and facilitators of regular PA practice will be assessed by using specific items specifically designed for the study because of lack of any reference scale.DiscussionThe study could demonstrate the impact of a self-management exercise program associated with spa therapy in the medium term by increasing PA level in people with OA. A benefit for ameliorating fears and beliefs and anxiety/depression and improving self-efficacy will also be analysed. The findings could offer new prospects while establishing best clinical practice guidelines for this population.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02598804 (November 5, 2015).
Highlights
Osteoarthritis (OA) is not limited to joint pain and stiffness, which can lead to disability; it is linked to comorbidities such as overweight, obesity and fears and beliefs related to the pathology
We aim to conduct a multicentre, prospective, quasi-randomised study to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-management exercise program associated with spa therapy treatment (STT) versus STT alone, on the physical activity level of patient with knee osteoarthritis, at 3 months follow up
In the context of an aging population, OA is a high-prevalence disease, whose prevalence will increase in the future [41]
Summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) is not limited to joint pain and stiffness, which can lead to disability; it is linked to comorbidities such as overweight, obesity and fears and beliefs related to the pathology. The knee OA population appears more affected by these risk factors and has a lower physical activity (PA) level than the general population. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2020, chronic disease will be the main source of disability. This evolution is related to the increase in life expectancy due to improvements in medical technology [3]. Risk factors are multiple: heredity, overweight and trauma (sports, professional, surgery) [4, 5]. All these factors interact with each other and may contribute to worsened pain and disability and reduced mobility. With lack of any curative treatment, except prosthetic surgery, non-pharmacological treatment is essential [6]
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