Background:We have developed a model of stratified exercise therapy, in which three knee osteoarthritis (OA) subgroups (i.e., ‘high muscle strength subgroup’, ‘low muscle strength subgroup’ and ‘obesity subgroup’) can be distinguished and provided a subgroup-specific intervention. Currently, the (cost-)effectiveness of this model compared to usual exercise therapy is tested in a large-scaled randomized controlled trial (OCTOPuS-study [1]). Alongside this trial, we performed a qualitative study to explore perceived barriers and facilitators of the application of this model in primary care.Objectives:To explore barriers and facilitators of the application of this model in primary care, as perceived by patients, physiotherapists and dieticians.Methods:Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews in a random sample of 15 patients (5 from each subgroup), 11 physiotherapists and 5 dieticians, from the experimental arm of the OCTUPuS trial. A thematic analysis of the data was performed.Results:We identified 14 themes in 5 categories. In general, patients and therapists were positive about the added value and applicability of the model, although some physiotherapists would prefer more flexibility. Regarding the ‘high muscle strength subgroup’, both patients and physiotherapists reported mixed feelings on the low number of supervised sessions, with some perceiving this low number as advantageous for stimulating the patient’s own responsibility, whereas others as hindering an optimally guided treatment. Regarding the ‘obesity subgroup’, dieticians and physiotherapists acknowledged the added value of the combined intervention, but both were disappointed by the lack of interdisciplinary collaboration. Moreover, those patients in this subgroup already following a diet restriction, therefore not perceiving any added value of the diet intervention.Conclusion:This qualitative study revealed relevant barriers and facilitators of our new model of stratified exercise therapy, which will help us interpreting the upcoming results on its (cost-) effectiveness [1]. If proven to be (cost-)effective, implementation strategies should specifically focus on guidance of patients from the ‘high muscle strength subgroup’ within only a few sessions, collaboration between physiotherapist and dietician in the ‘obesity subgroup’, and adequate use of booster sessions after the supervised period to optimize treatment adherence.References:[1]Knoop J, Dekker J, van der Leeden M, de Rooij M, Peter WFH, van Bodegom-Vos L, van Dongen JM, Lopuhäa N, Bennell KL, Lems WF, van der Esch M, Vliet Vlieland TPM, Ostelo RWJG. Stratified exercise therapy compared with usual care by physical therapists in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial protocol (OCTOPuS study). Physiother Res Int. 2020 Apr;25(2):e1819. doi: 10.1002/pri.1819. Epub 2019 Nov 28.Disclosure of Interests:None declared
Biomechanical mechanisms underlying treatment effects of exercise therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis: data from a randomized controlled trial
