Integrated exercise and self-management programmes in osteoarthritis of the hip and knee: a systematic review of effectiveness

Walsh, N.E.; Mitchell, H.L.; Reeves, B.C.; Hurley, M.V.

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the clinical effects of integrated exercise and self-management programmes on pain and function in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis, and to determine the cost-effectiveness of these interventions. Of 109 abstracts identified, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Outcome data suggested that interventions reduced pain and improved function, but many of the papers had methodological flaws, such as low statistical power, limited blinding and randomisation procedures, short follow-up and protracted treatment regimens. No associated cost analyses were included in any of the studies accepted within the review. Combining exercise and psychological interventions improves pain and function in hip and knee osteoarthritis, although methodological problems limit the ability to extrapolate the findings of these studies into clinical practice.

Physical Therapy Reviews, Volume 11, Number 4, December 2006, pp. 289-297(9)

View Abstract