Online Stop Osteoarthritis SOAR Program Versus Minimal Care for Young Adults With ACL Reconstruction to Prevent Early Knee Osteoarthritis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying young people aged 16 to 35 who have had a first-time Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction ACLR surgery 9 to 36 months ago to see if a virtual education and exercise therapy program called Stop OsteoARthritis SOAR can improve knee health and reduce early-onset knee osteoarthritis. The study aims to compare the effects of SOAR against a minimal intervention control program on knee pain, symptoms, function, and quality of life over 6, 12, and 24 months. The trial also evaluates the programs cost-effectiveness and how well physiotherapists adopt it. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Those in the SOAR group will complete a 6-month online program that includes a one-time interactive Knee Camp, weekly home-based exercises and physical activity using a wrist-worn activity monitor, weekly one-on-one physiotherapist counseling sessions, and optional group exercise classes. The control group will receive a 6-month minimal intervention consisting of a 30-minute educational video, a workbook, activity tracking, and one virtual physiotherapist counseling session. Both programs aim to support knee health but differ in intensity and support. During the study, participants will wear activity trackers and complete self-reported assessments on knee pain, symptoms, function, and quality of life at multiple points over 24 months. Researchers will also perform MRIs at the start and end of the study to assess knee cartilage health. Physiotherapists delivering the SOAR program will be evaluated for adherence to the program, and surveys and interviews will explore barriers and facilitators of program delivery and self-management. The total participation time spans up to 24 months with multiple follow-up assessments.

Stopping OsteoARthritis After an ACL Tear