Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Technology, Exercise Programming, and Activity Prescription for Enhanced Mobility (TEAM) Study

This study, called TEAM, explores new non-surgical ways to help people with osteoarthritis in their knee or hip. Many people are sent for joint replacement surgery too early, or can't have surgery. We want to find better ways to support them. We're testing if doctors giving specific exercise advice, sometimes with a free website offering education and exercise videos, can help reduce pain and improve movement. The aim is to help people manage their condition better, improve their daily lives, and possibly delay or avoid surgery.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Western University, Canada

Enrolment target

192

Start

18 Jun 2021

Estimated completion

06 Jun 2025

Osteo Arthritis Knee Osteoarthritis Hip Arthritis

What is this study about?

Osteoarthritis is a common condition that makes joints like your knee or hip feel painful and stiff. It happens when the soft cushion (cartilage) between your bones wears down. This can make everyday activities difficult. While surgery to replace a joint can help severe cases, it's often not the first choice, and many people might not need it for a long time, or ever. This study is all about supporting people who have osteoarthritis but don't need surgery right now.

Our study, called TEAM (Technology, Exercise, and Activity for Enhanced Mobility), is looking at new ways to help doctors give the best advice. We're testing whether a 'prescription' for physical activity from your doctor, sometimes combined with a special free website, can make a real difference. This website offers easy-to-understand information about managing osteoarthritis and includes videos of exercises you can do. It's especially helpful if you find it hard to get to in-person appointments or classes.

The main goal of this research is to help people with osteoarthritis manage their condition better without surgery. We hope these new approaches will reduce pain, improve how well you can move, and ultimately enhance your quality of life. By finding effective non-surgical options, we might also help people delay or even avoid the need for a joint replacement altogether.

Key takeaways

Focuses on non-surgical ways to manage knee and hip osteoarthritis.
Tests doctor's exercise advice and a free online resource.
Aims to reduce pain and improve movement for people with osteoarthritis.
Could help delay or prevent joint replacement surgery.
Provides education and exercise videos, especially for those with limited access to in-person care.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you generally need to be between 40 and 74 years old. You would also have been seen by a special clinic (the Musculoskeletal Rapid Access Clinic) in London, who would have identified your osteoarthritis as being 'mild to moderate'. This means your condition isn't too severe.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you already have very severe osteoarthritis and are waiting for or have had a joint replacement, or if you have another type of inflammatory arthritis. We also can't include you if you have serious uncontrolled health problems that would make physical activity unsafe, or if you can't follow the study for the whole period. Additionally, you need to have internet access and be able to communicate in English.

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 between 40 and 74 years old?
Has a specialist clinic (RAC) told you your osteoarthritis is 'mild to moderate'?
Do you not have very severe osteoarthritis or another type of inflammatory arthritis?
Are you generally well enough for physical activity?
Do you have internet access and speak English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll be placed into one of three groups. Your involvement will mostly revolve around managing your osteoarthritis with support. You might receive information about resources, or specific advice on physical activity from your doctor, or both that advice and access to a free website with educational materials and exercise videos. The study will track how these different approaches help with your pain and movement over time. The exact duration of your participation will be explained by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer benefits, such as receiving structured advice on physical activity and access to free online resources that could help manage your pain and improve your mobility. There are minimal risks associated with this study, as it focuses on non-surgical approaches like exercise, which is generally considered safe and beneficial. However, as with any exercise, there's a small chance of muscle soreness or mild injury, which is why your doctor's advice is important. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Fowler Kennedy Sports Medicine Clinic
Verified postcode
London, Canada

Common questions

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a condition where the protective cushion (cartilage) in your joints wears down, causing pain and stiffness, especially in areas like your knees and hips.

Why is this study important?

It explores new ways to help people manage osteoarthritis without surgery, potentially reducing pain, improving movement, and delaying the need for a joint replacement.

What is a 'physical activity prescription'?

It's when your doctor gives you specific advice and guidance about what types of physical activity would be most beneficial for your osteoarthritis.

Will I have to pay for anything if I join?

No, if you are offered access to the online resources as part of the study, they are completely free.

Can I still have surgery if I join the study?

This study aims to help manage your condition without immediate surgery. Your medical team will discuss the best treatment plan for you regardless of your participation.