ARENA study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of outpatient physiotherapy after knee replacement: A randomised controlled trial
IRAS ID
165645
Contact name
Vikki Wylde
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
North Bristol NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Knee replacement is a common operation for patients with osteoarthritis. It is a major operation with a long recovery period. Physiotherapy is an important part of the recovery process because it can help improve strength and movement in the replaced knee and allow people to gain the maximum benefit from the operation. However, not all hospitals offer physiotherapy to patients once they have been discharged after their knee replacement operation.
In this study, we will find out whether it is helpful to offer exercise classes to patients following knee replacement. We have already conducted a small version of the study so we know that patients are willing to take part and attend the exercise classes. 256 patients from two hospitals in Bristol will take part. Half of people will be chosen at random to receive ‘usual care’ where they are provided with a leaflet about exercise and referred to outpatient physiotherapy on a needs only basis i.e. if they have poor mobility. The other half of people will be invited to attend an exercise class, in addition to receiving ‘usual care’. This class will be every week for six weeks, starting at six weeks after knee replacement surgery. In the class, patients will practice task-related exercises such as walking, stair climbing, and kneeling. Each patient will also be given two individualised exercises, designed by the physiotherapist, to help address specific goals.
We will ask everyone in the study to complete questionnaires during the first year after surgery to see if the exercise classes improve patients’ mobility. We will also collect information to compare the cost of providing both treatments. The findings from this study will help us to know if providing outpatient exercises classes can improve patient’s mobility up to one year after knee replacement surgery and is good value for money to invest NHS resources.
REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/SW/1144
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jan 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion