STepped exercise program for patients with knee OsteoArthritis (STEP-KOA): protocol for a randomized controlled trial

摘要

BackgroundPhysical therapy (PT) and other exercise-based interventions are core components of care for knee osteoarthritis (OA), but both are underutilized, and some patients have limited access to PT services. This clinical trial is examining a STepped Exercise Program for patients with Knee OsteoArthritis (STEP-KOA). This model of care can help to tailor exercise-based interventions to patient needs and also conserve higher resource services (such as PT) for patients who do not make clinically relevant improvements after receiving less costly interventions.