Online Exercise Program for Osteoarthritis

(LIFT-OA Trial)

Overseen By Amelia Millward

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Intermountain Health Care, Inc.

Must be taking: OA medications

Disqualifiers: Neurological conditions, Dementia, Recent knee surgery, Severe osteoporosis, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 6 months

334 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how different exercise programs can assist people with osteoarthritis, with a particular focus on knee pain. Participants will either join an online exercise program called Vivo (Vivo Online Exercise Program) or follow a home exercise routine provided by Medbridge. The trial aims to assess how these approaches affect pain, quality of life, and overall health over a year. Ideal candidates are those recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis, experiencing knee pain during daily activities like walking or climbing stairs, and who engage in limited physical activity. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to valuable research that could enhance exercise recommendations for osteoarthritis.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it does require documentation of medications specific to osteoarthritis and knee pain.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research shows that exercise programs, like the Vivo Online Exercise Program, are generally safe for people with osteoarthritis (OA). Although specific safety data for Vivo is unavailable, exercise programs have been well-studied in people with OA. These studies often find that exercise is well-tolerated and can help improve joint function and reduce pain.

As an online exercise routine, the Vivo program resembles other OA exercise programs, which are usually safe and have few side effects. Most participants find these programs manageable and report only minor issues, such as slight muscle soreness, which is normal when starting a new exercise routine.

While specific safety data for Vivo is not provided, its absence from early testing phases suggests it is considered safe for a wide range of participants. Always consult a healthcare provider to determine if such a program is suitable. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Vivo Online Exercise Program for osteoarthritis because it offers a convenient, digital approach to managing the condition from home. Unlike traditional in-person physical therapy, this program allows users to engage in guided exercises online, making it accessible anytime and anywhere. This flexibility can significantly enhance patient adherence and engagement, which are critical for managing osteoarthritis effectively. Additionally, the program may empower patients to take control of their health at their own pace, potentially improving long-term outcomes.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for osteoarthritis?

Research shows that specific exercises can help manage osteoarthritis (OA) by strengthening muscles, stabilizing joints, and reducing pain. In this trial, participants may receive the Vivo Online Exercise Program, which provides these benefits through live, interactive fitness sessions. Studies have found that similar exercise programs have moderate positive effects, making them a promising choice for people with OA. Overall, the Vivo program aims to boost quality of life and increase confidence in exercising for those with osteoarthritis. ^{1 2 3 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Anthony Beutler, MD

Principal Investigator

Intermountain Health

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for patients with osteoarthritis who have passed a screening at the clinic and consented to participate. Details on specific inclusion or exclusion criteria are not provided, but typically participants must meet certain health standards relevant to the study.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 55 and 85 years old.

My knee arthritis is moderate to severe based on X-ray results.

I can walk and live at home.

Exclusion Criteria

I need help with at least one daily activity.

No concurrent enrollment in the Intermountain Arthrofit program

My osteoarthritis causes me no symptoms.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants are randomized to either the Vivo online exercise program or the Medbridge home exercise program for 6 months

6 months

Bi-weekly sessions (Vivo Arm), regular check-ins (Usual Care Arm)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with assessments at 3, 6, and 12 months

12 months

3 visits (in-person) at 3, 6, and 12 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Vivo Online Exercise Program

Trial Overview The trial compares two exercise programs over six months: Vivo Online Exercise Program (twice weekly) versus Medbridge Home program (standard care). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of these groups and followed up for a year, with assessments every three, six, and twelve months.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Vivo Online Exercise program Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Medbridge Home Exercise Program Active Control 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Intermountain Health Care, Inc.

Lead Sponsor

Trials

142

Recruited

1,965,000+

Impactiv, Inc.

Industry Sponsor

Trials

2

Recruited

420+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A systematic review of 11 randomized trials involving 1861 participants found that remote exercise programs can lead to clinically meaningful improvements in knee pain for individuals with osteoarthritis, although only one trial showed significant differences between groups.

The most effective interventions included personalized communication to tailor the exercise programs, highlighting the importance of engagement in remote management strategies for knee OA pain relief.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of remote exercise programs in reducing pain for patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review of randomized trials. McHugh, CG., Kostic, AM., Katz, JN., et al.[2022]

A systematic review of 26 high-quality studies found that various strengthening exercise programs significantly improve pain relief, physical function, and quality of life for patients with knee osteoarthritis within a six-month period.

Combining strengthening exercises with other therapeutic activities, like coordination and balance training, further enhances these benefits, indicating a comprehensive approach may be more effective for managing knee osteoarthritis.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Ottawa panel clinical practice guidelines for the management of knee osteoarthritis. Part two: strengthening exercise programs. Brosseau, L., Taki, J., Desjardins, B., et al.[2022]

An 8-week online exercise and education program for knee osteoarthritis patients improved their sense of ownership over their treatment, leading to better function, well-being, and hope for the future.

While the online format provided beneficial peer support, participants expressed a need for more interactive engagement and suggested combining online sessions with in-person classes for enhanced support and individualized care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An invigorating journey towards better function and well-being: A qualitative study of knee osteoarthritis patients' experiences with an online exercise and education intervention. Simonÿ, C., Clausen, B., Beck, M., et al.[2023]

Therapeutic exercises are effective for managing osteoarthritis (OA), improving muscle strength, joint stability, and reducing pain, with moderate effect sizes for aerobic (0.52) and strengthening exercises (0.32) in knee OA.

Individualized exercise programs are essential for OA patients, as there is no significant difference in efficacy between group and individual sessions, highlighting the need for collaboration among healthcare providers for optimal patient education and treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise Programmes for Osteoarthritis with Different Localization. Lambova, S.[2018]

Mind-body exercise programs, such as Hatha Yoga and Tai Chi, have been shown to effectively improve pain relief and physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis, based on a systematic review of high-quality studies.

Hatha Yoga and Tai Chi Qigong received high grades for their effectiveness, with significant improvements noted in pain relief and quality of life, making them valuable non-traditional exercise options for managing knee osteoarthritis.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Ottawa panel clinical practice guidelines for the management of knee osteoarthritis. Part one: introduction, and mind-body exercise programs. Brosseau, L., Taki, J., Desjardins, B., et al.[2022]

A pilot study involving 65 individuals with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis showed that using a web-based Therapeutic Exercise Resource Center (TERC) significantly improved clinical outcomes, including pain and function, after 8 weeks of exercise.

Participants reported high satisfaction with the TERC, with 94% finding the website easy to use and 90% appreciating the helpful exercise animations, indicating that this digital tool could enhance patient engagement in their treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Web-based therapeutic exercise resource center as a treatment for knee osteoarthritis: a prospective cohort pilot study. Brooks, MA., Beaulieu, JE., Severson, HH., et al.[2022]

An interdisciplinary educational program promoting regular physical exercise significantly improved functional capacity in individuals with knee osteoarthritis, with notable enhancements in stair performance, timed up and go tests, and sit-to-stand tests after 6 months, which were maintained after 12 months.

Participants in the educational program also experienced a significant reduction in body mass index and an increase in active individuals, while the control group showed no lasting improvements, highlighting the program's effectiveness in promoting physical activity and functional improvements.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Educational program promoting regular physical exercise improves functional capacity and daily living physical activity in subjects with knee osteoarthritis. Rodrigues da Silva, JM., de Rezende, MU., Spada, TC., et al.[2018]

A structured home-based exercise and patient education program significantly improved pain, functional mobility, and disability levels in 80 adults with knee osteoarthritis after eight weeks, compared to usual rehabilitation alone.

The experimental group showed greater improvements in all measured outcomes, with enhancements of 22.2% in disability, 44.1% in pain, and 15.7% in mobility compared to the control group, suggesting that this combined approach should be integrated into standard knee osteoarthritis management.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Self-management Program as Adjunctive to Usual Rehabilitation Exercise on Pain and Functional Outcomes in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Ahmad, MA., Yusof, A., Hamid, MSA., et al.[2023]

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06462560

Live and Interactive Fitness Training Program (Vivo Knee OA) All participants will complete functional assessments, OA patient reported outcomes measures, quality of life, exercise self-efficacy, and fall risk ...

2. teamvivo.com teamvivo.com/vivo-and-intermountain-health-partner-to-treat-osteoarthritis/

Vivo and Intermountain Health Partner to Treat Osteoarthritis The study will be a randomized controlled trial – the most effective research method to measure the effectiveness of an intervention.

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-osteoarthritis-3-2024-d9d2e

Online Exercise Program for Osteoarthritis (LIFT-OA Trial) Therapeutic exercises are effective for managing osteoarthritis (OA), improving muscle strength, joint stability, and reducing pain, with moderate effect sizes ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214031X2400024X

Knee osteoarthritis pendulum therapy: In vivo evaluation ... This study aimed to explore the potential mechanism and effectiveness of a leg-swinging exercise practiced in China, called 'KOA pendulum therapy' (KOAPT).

5. prnewswire.com prnewswire.com/news-releases/vivo-and-intermountain-health-to-study-virtual-strength-training-for-older-adults-with-osteoarthritis-302053530.html

Vivo and Intermountain Health to Study Virtual Strength ... The study will be a randomized controlled trial – the most effective research method to measure the effectiveness of an intervention.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9110817/

Exercise for Osteoarthritis: A Literature Review of Pathology ... This review mainly expounds the mechanism that exercise alleviates the pathological changes of OA by affecting the degradation of the ECM, apoptosis, ...