Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Accelerometry and Rehabilitation After Knee Replacement Study (ARK)

This study, called ARK, is exploring a new way to help people recover after knee replacement surgery. Many people in the UK have knee replacements each year, but it can be hard to keep up with the exercises needed for a good recovery. This study wants to see if using a small, wearable sensor to monitor exercises at home can make a difference. We're comparing this new method to the usual care. The sensor might help people stay on track with their exercises and allow doctors to check progress remotely. This could mean a better recovery, fewer hospital visits, and potentially save money for the NHS. We will look at how well people recover, their pain, and their overall quality of life.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Enrolment target

250

Start

20 May 2022

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2026

Orthopedic Disorder

What is this study about?

Many people in the UK suffer from severe arthritis in their knees, and knee replacement surgery is a very common and successful treatment. However, getting better after the surgery means doing lots of exercises, and it can be tricky for people to stick to these at home. We also know that physiotherapy services are very busy, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study is looking at a new idea: using a small, wearable sensor to help people with their exercises after knee replacement. This sensor would monitor how well you're doing your exercises at home, and the information could be shared with your healthcare team. The aim is to see if this remote monitoring can help you recover better, make you more confident with your exercises, and potentially reduce the number of hospital visits you need. It could also help identify people who might need extra support with their physiotherapy.

We're inviting 250 patients who are having a total knee replacement to take part. Half of them will receive the wearable sensor and guidance on how to use it for their home exercises. The other half will receive the standard care, which means they'll follow their usual physiotherapy programme without the sensor. We'll be carefully comparing both groups to see if the sensor makes a difference to recovery, pain, how well the knee works, and overall quality of life, as well as whether it's a cost-effective solution for the NHS.

Key takeaways

This study aims to improve recovery after knee replacement using new technology.
It compares a wearable sensor for home exercises against usual care.
Participation involves using a sensor or standard physiotherapy, plus questionnaires.
You'll need your own smartphone/tablet and home internet if in the sensor group.
The study lasts 6 months after your surgery.
It could help the NHS deliver more effective rehabilitation and save resources.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you would need to be 18 years old or older and be having your first total knee replacement on one knee. We're looking for people who are happy to use smart devices like a smartphone or tablet (Apple iPhone or iPad, or an Android phone or tablet) and have an internet connection at home, either Wi-Fi or mobile internet (like 3G or better).

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you've already had a knee replacement in the same knee, or if you've had other major knee surgery in the last six months. We also can't include people who have active cancer, or those with memory problems like dementia, or other conditions that would make it difficult to use the sensor or complete the study tasks. You would also need to be willing and able to attend follow-up appointments and fill in questionnaires.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you having your first total knee replacement?
Do you own a smartphone or tablet (Apple or Android) that works?
Do you have an internet connection at home (Wi-Fi or mobile data)?
Are you willing and able to attend follow-up appointments and fill in questionnaires?
Have you not had any major knee surgery (excluding arthroscopy) in the last 6 months?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups, like flipping a coin. You'll either receive standard care, which means your usual physiotherapy and follow-up after your knee replacement, or you'll receive the wearable sensor to help with your home exercises. If you get the sensor, you'll be shown how to use it with your own smartphone or tablet and how it helps monitor your activity.

Both groups will be asked to complete questionnaires about your pain, how your knee feels, and your overall quality of life at different times. We'll also take some measurements of how well your knee is working. We will collect information on your progress for up to 6 months after your surgery. There are no specific medications involved in the study; it focuses on how rehabilitation is delivered.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer some benefits, such as potentially better support for your rehabilitation through the sensor, which might lead to a better recovery and increased confidence in your exercises. For those in the standard care group, you contribute to important research without any changes to your usual treatment. There are minimal risks involved; the main one being the time commitment for appointments and questionnaires. If you use the sensor, there's a small chance of technical issues, but support would be provided. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Leeds, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is a wearable sensor?

It's a small device, like a fitness tracker, that you wear on your body. In this study, it would help monitor your movements and exercises after knee replacement surgery.

What does 'standard care' mean?

Standard care means you'll receive the usual treatment and physiotherapy that patients typically get after a knee replacement at your hospital, without the sensor.

Will I know if I'm getting the sensor or standard care?

Yes, once you're enrolled and randomly assigned to a group, you'll be told whether you'll be using the sensor or receiving standard care.

How long will I be in the study?

You'll be involved in the study for about 6 months after your knee replacement surgery, which is when we'll collect information on your progress.

Do I have to pay for the sensor or internet?

No, if you're in the sensor group, the sensor will be provided. However, you'll need to use your own smartphone or tablet and have an existing internet connection.