Comparing Virtual One-on-One and Group Physical Therapy at Home for Rural Adults with Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating two virtual physical therapy programs for people living in rural areas with hip or knee osteoarthritis OA. The study compares usual community-based OA care with two 12-week home-based virtual rehabilitation programs Individual Physical Therapy IPT and Group-based Physical Therapy GPT. The goal is to improve how patients manage their OA by increasing their activation and involvement in self-care through education, exercise, and personalized goals. Participants will first continue with usual OA care for 12 weeks, followed by randomization to either IPT or GPT programs. Both programs are delivered weekly via Zoom over 12 weeks, with a break after 6 weeks to encourage independent management. IPT involves one-on-one virtual sessions with a physiotherapist, while GPT includes group classes of 4-5 participants led by two physiotherapists, with private breakout sessions for personalized goal-setting. The interventions include education on OA management, pain control, healthy living, mental well-being, and tailored neuromuscular exercises with resistance bands and Fitbit step goals. Participants will be assessed at multiple points before usual care, before intervention, immediately after, and at 6 and 12 months post-intervention. Assessments include patient activation, pain, quality of life, physical function, and activity levels measured by Fitbit. The study uses secure Zoom sessions with technology support provided. Researchers will track progress and adherence through questionnaires, physical performance tests, and Fitbit data to evaluate the impact of the programs on OA self-management and overall health.

Adapting Rehabilitation Delivery for Maximum Impact at Home-2 (ReDI-2)