A 6-Week Web-Based Osteoarthritis Treatment Program: Observational Quasi-Experimental Study

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Osteoarthritis management
• Evidence-based treatment

Background:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability with increasing disease burden.
• Joint Academy offers web-based, evidence-based nonsurgical treatment for knee and hip OA.
• The program aims to improve access to and implementation of OA care.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate changes in joint pain, physical function, and quality of life in Joint Academy users.
• Assess the effectiveness of a web-based OA treatment program.
• Compare outcomes with a traditional face-to-face program.

Main Methods:

• 350 patients recruited online for a 6-week program.
• Utilized eHealth journals and e-questionnaires for data collection.
• Assessed pain (NRS), physical function (30-second chair-stand), and HRQoL (EQ-5D).

Main Results:

• Significant reduction in joint pain (5.4 to 4.1) and improvement in physical function (10.88 to 13.14).
• Decreased walking difficulties (81.7% to 62.1%) and fear of physical activity (22.1% to 6.7%).
• 24% of patients desiring surgery no longer interested post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• Joint Academy participation is linked to clinically relevant improvements in pain, function, and quality of life.
• The web-based approach is scalable and accessible to individuals with internet access.
• This digital intervention shows promise for widespread OA management.