Physical Activity Pathway for Patients With Osteoarthritis in Primary Care (OA-PCP)

Physical Activity Pathway for Patients With Osteoarthritis in Primary Care

This is a multi-phase study that will develop and test an osteoarthritis (OA) primary care Physical activity Care Pathway (OA-PCP), a scalable intervention that includes: 1) a practical process for physical inactivity screening in primary care, 2) a brief, tailored physical activity (PA) counseling intervention via telephone, 3) connection of patients with community programs and other resources to support PA, and 4) follow-up with patients to deliver additional appropriate counseling and referrals to PA resources.

This study will be a single group pilot trial of the OA-PCP. The feasibility and acceptability of the OA-PCP will be assessed among n=60 patients with hip and knee OA in two primary care clinics. All patients in the trial will participate in the OA-PCP and will complete assessments at baseline and 4-month follow-up. Feasibility metrics will include rates of recruitment, intervention engagement and retention; acceptability will be assessed from both patients and health care providers.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Physician diagnosis of knee or hip OA
• Current Joint Symptoms
• Current Weekly Physical Activity <150 minutes per week.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pain in chest when performing physical activity
• Pain in chest when not performing physical activity
• Loss of balance because of dizziness or loss of consciousness
• Recommendation from doctor to only perform physical activity under medical supervision
• No documented diagnosis of knee or hip OA
• Dementia or other memory loss condition
• Active diagnosis of psychosis
• Active Substance abuse disorder
• Total knee or hip replacement surgery, meniscus tear, ligament tear, or other significant lower extremity injury or surgery in the last 6 months
• Severe hearing or visual impairment
• Serious/terminal illness as indicated by referral to hospice or palliative care
• Unstable angina
• Hospitalization for cardiovascular event in last 6 months
• History of ventricular tachycardia
• Unstable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (2 hospitalizations within the previous 6 months and/or on oxygen)
• Stroke with moderate to severe aphasia
• Recent history (last 6 months) of three or more falls