The Chronic Knee Pain Program: A self-management model

Abstract

BackgroundIt is vital that patients take an active role in self-management of their chronic knee pain condition. The Chronic Knee Pain Program was developed to assist patients in managing their chronic condition and to improve their overall well-being. PurposeThe purpose of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility of a six-week self-management program and to explore whether it may assist in decreasing body mass index (BMI) and depression symptom severity and increase physical activity levels in obese adults with chronic knee pain. DesignA one group, pre-test/post-test pilot study. SettingA pain management clinic in the northeastern United States. SampleConvenience sample of twelve adult patients with chronic knee pain and a BMI of 30 or greater were recruited, however, six participants completed the full program. ResultsThis type of intervention has potential value to improve the lifestyles of those individuals with chronic knee pain, including improvements in BMI, depression symptom severity and physical activity levels. In this study there was a decrease in mean BMI overtime; 41.2 (at week 1), 40.8 (at week 6), and 40.7 (at week 10). ConclusionsThe Chronic Knee Pain Program had a small sample size and high attrition rate, though yielded positive outcomes for some participants. Future research could focus on depression management, using conservative measures to help manage pain, and increasing pain coping skills. Implementing this program with a larger sample size is recommended to see if BMI, depression symptom severity and physical activity levels reach statistical significance.