Whistler

Researchers are evaluating the Stop OsteoARthritis (SOAR) program, a 6-month online education and exercise therapy, for young people aged 16 to 35 years who had a first-time Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) 9 to 36 months ago and are at risk of early-onset knee osteoarthritis. The study compares SOAR to a minimal intervention control program to determine if SOAR improves knee pain, symptoms, function, and quality of life at 6, 12, and 24 months. The trial also assesses cost-effectiveness and how well physiotherapists adopt the SOAR program. Participants in the SOAR group receive a wrist-worn activity monitor, an initial interactive education and individual physiotherapy session called Knee Camp, weekly home-based exercise and physical activity programs, and weekly one-on-one physiotherapist counseling through videoconferencing. The control group receives access to a 30-minute educational video, a workbook, one video-recorded virtual session with a physiotherapist, and the same wrist-worn activity monitor. Both groups are monitored over 6 months, with MRI scans at baseline and 24 months to evaluate knee cartilage changes. During the study, participants report knee-related pain, symptoms, function, and quality of life using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS4) at several time points. Researchers track healthcare resource use, self-management, and program adherence. Physiotherapists' fidelity to the SOAR program is assessed, along with participant and provider feedback on barriers and facilitators. The study also explores physical activity, muscle strength, knee-related fear, and early cartilage degeneration. Total participation includes follow-ups at 6, 12, and 24 months.