Adherence to a Web-based Exercise Programme: A Feasibility Study Among Patients with Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics and Rehabilitation
• Digital Health Interventions
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Osteoarthritis significantly impacts quality of life and mobility.
• Web-based aerobic exercise programs offer a scalable approach to managing osteoarthritis.
• Feasibility studies are crucial for evaluating adherence to digital health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess adherence rates to a 12-week web-based aerobic exercise program in patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis.
• To identify patient characteristics associated with adherence.
• To determine barriers to exercise adherence in this population.

Main Methods:

• A single-arm feasibility study was conducted.
• Participants (age 40-80) with hip or knee osteoarthritis completed a 12-week web-based aerobic exercise program.
• Adherence was defined as ≥2 sessions/week for ≥8 weeks; barriers were recorded weekly.

Main Results:

• Fifteen out of 29 patients (52%) adhered to the exercise program.
• Non-adherent patients exhibited lower physical activity levels and cardiorespiratory fitness.
• Sickness was the most common barrier; pain was reported by less than 10%.

Conclusions:

• Approximately half of patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis adhered to the digitally delivered aerobic exercise program.
• Sickness, rather than pain, emerged as the primary barrier to adherence.
• These findings support the feasibility of web-based exercise interventions for osteoarthritis management.