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This Position Statement is an update to the existing statement. It is intended for all health practitioners who manage people with hip/knee osteoarthritis. It synthesises the most recent evidence (with a focus on clinical guidelines and systematic reviews) for exercise in people with hip/knee osteoarthritis, and provides guidance to practitioners about how best to implement exercise in clinical practice. Clinical practice guidelines for hip/knee osteoarthritis advocate physical activity and exercise as fundamental core components of evidence-based management. Research evidence indicates that exercise can reduce joint pain, increase physical function, and improve quality of life in hip/knee osteoarthritis, and that a range of exercise types (both supervised and unsupervised) may be beneficial. Exercise dosage should be guided by the principles of the American College of Sports Medicine. As people with osteoarthritis experience many barriers to exercise, practitioners should take an active role in monitoring and promoting adherence to exercise in order to optimise therapeutic benefits.

Objective Investigate and compare perceptions about the efficacy and acceptability of allied healthcare delivered via telephone and video call for adults with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design Cross-sectional national survey. Setting Participants who accessed occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, or speech pathology care via telephone or via video call in June – September 2020. Participants Adults with permanent or significant disabilities, or their carers/partners/family members, who were funded by the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme. Interventions NOT applicable. Main outcome measures Experiences (e.g., safety, efficacy, and ease of use) with telephone and video-delivered care. Data were analysed by calculating response proportions and Chi-square tests to evaluate differences in experiences between allied health professions and between telephone and video modalities. Results Responses were obtained for 581 adults with disabilities. There was no evidence of differences between experiences with telephone or video-delivered services, or across allied health professions. Overall, between 47-56% of respondents found telehealth technology easy to use (versus 17-26% who found it difficult), 51-55% felt comfortable communicating (versus 24-27% who felt uncomfortable), 51-67% were happy with the privacy/security (versus 6-9% who were unhappy), 74% were happy with the safety (versus 5-7% who were unhappy), and 56-64% believed the care they received was effective (versus 17% who believed it was ineffective). Despite this, 48-51% were unlikely to choose to use telephone or video consultations in the future (versus 32-36% who were likely). Conclusion Adults with disabilities in Australia had generally positive experiences receiving allied healthcare via telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, though some experienced difficulties using, and communicating via, the technology. Findings indicated no differences between satisfaction with telephone or video modalities, or between physiotherapy, speech pathology, occupational therapy, or psychology services.

Objective To evaluate responses by people with knee osteoarthritis to a brief educational video about their condition that aimed to empower and motivate effective self-management. The video content addressed psychosocial contributors to pain and barriers to behaviour change. Methods A mixed methods design, including a survey and semi-structured interviews, was used to collect data from 118 people (46–83 years, 78% female) with knee osteoarthritis. Results Quantitative data analysis showed the video was rated positively on 0–6 scales for enjoyability (mean 5.0), helpfulness (4.9), relevance (5.0) and believability (5.4). The majority would recommend the video (89%), learned new information (78%) and/or reported intentions to change behaviour (78%). A minority disliked aspects of the video (23%). The thematic analyses identified three main themes: Reactions to the video, including emotions; Learning from the video, including new knowledge and empowerment, but also unmet information needs or disagreement; and Intentions, including behaviour changes, cognitive changes and help seeking. Conclusion Education about knee osteoarthritis with a focus on empowerment is well received by people with the condition, although some discordant views emerged. Practice implications The educational video about knee osteoarthritis can be recommended to promote effective self-management and counteract potential drawbacks associated with biomedical-based education.

Summary Objective Explore patient and dietitian experiences with a multi-component dietary weight loss program for knee osteoarthritis to understand enablers and challenges to success at 6-months. Design Qualitative study embedded within a randomised controlled trial. Semi-structured individual interviews with 24 patients with knee osteoarthritis who undertook, and five dietitians who supervised, a weight management program (involving a ketogenic very low calorie diet (VLCD), video consultations, educational resources) over 6 months. Data were thematically analysed. Results Five themes were developed: (1) ease and convenience of program facilitated adherence (structure and simplicity of the meal replacements; not feeling hungry on diet; convenience of consulting via video) (2) social and professional support crucial for success (encouragement from partner, family, and friends; guidance from, and accountability to, dietitian; anxiety around going at it alone) (3) program was engaging and motivating (determination to stick to program; rapid weight loss helped motivation) (4) holistic nature of program was important (suite of high-quality educational resources; exercise important to compliment weight loss) (5) rewarding experience and lifelong impact (improved knee pain and function; positive lifestyle change). Conclusions Patients and dietitians described positive experiences with the weight management program, valuing its simplicity, effectiveness, and convenience. Support from dietitians and a comprehensive suite of educational resources, incorporated with an exercise program, were considered crucial for success. Findings suggest this multi-component dietary program is an acceptable weight loss method in people with knee osteoarthritis that may benefit symptoms. Strategies for supporting long-term independent weight management should be a focus of future research.

Questions What are the experiences of physiotherapists delivering care for people with knee osteoarthritis? How do these experiences align with the national Clinical Care Standard? Design A qualitative study using individual interviews. Participants Twenty-two Australian physiotherapists (mean age 34 years, 50% female) with experience in providing care for people with knee osteoarthritis. Methods Physiotherapists participated in semi-structured individual telephone interviews. Questions were informed by seven quality statements from the national Knee Osteoarthritis Clinical Care Standard. Thematic analysis was undertaken, with themes/subthemes inductively derived. Interview data were also deductively analysed according to the Clinical Care Standard. Results Five themes emerged. First, physiotherapists focused on biomedical assessment with little psychosocial consideration. They managed ‘mechanical’ aspects of knee osteoarthritis, aiming to restore functional ability. Second, physiotherapists’ perceived their role as primarily providing goal-orientated personalised exercise via short-term episodic care. Knee surgery was considered a last option, but physiotherapists ‘prepped’ patients who decided on surgery. Third, clinical challenges included patient comorbidity, unsatisfactory patient adherence and a patient’s desire for a ‘quick fix’. The other two themes were: physiotherapists described a mismatch between what they know and what they do regarding imaging, weight management and manual therapy; and physiotherapists viewed weight loss, medication and surgical advice as outside of their professional role. Conclusion Physiotherapists’ reported experiences of delivering care for people with knee osteoarthritis were mostly consistent with the quality care standard. Care may be improved by increasing the focus on psychosocial aspects of care, offering longer-term reviews, and being more proactive with advice and/or referral regarding weight loss, pain medications and knee surgery. By describing the potential benefits and harms of common osteoarthritis medications and surgical interventions, physiotherapists will ensure that their patients are fully informed about all their treatment options.

Summary Objective Different exercise types may yield different outcomes in osteoarthritis (OA) subgroups. The objective was to directly compare effectiveness of two exercise programs for people with medial knee OA and co-morbid obesity. Design We performed a participant- and assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial. 128 people ≥50 years with medial knee OA and body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 were recruited from the community. Interventions were home-based non-weight bearing (NWB) quadriceps strengthening or weight bearing (WB) functional exercise for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes were change in overall knee pain (numeric rating scale, range 0–10) and difficulty with physical function (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, 0–68) over 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included other pain measures, physical function, quality-of-life, global changes, physical performance, and lower-limb muscle strength. Results 123 (96%) participants were retained. There was no evidence of a between-group difference in change in pain (mean difference 0.73 units (95% confidence intervals (0.05,1.50)) or function (2.80 units (−1.17,6.76)), with both groups reporting improvements. For secondary outcomes, the WB group had greater improvement in quality-of-life (−0.043 units (−0.085,-0.001)) and more participants reporting global improvement (overall: relative risk 1.40 (0.98,2.01); pain 1.47 (0.97,2.24); function 1.43 (1.04,1.98). Although adverse events were minor, more NWB group participants reported ≥1 adverse event (26/66 (39%) vs 14/62 (23%), p = 0.04). Conclusions Both exercise types similarly improved primary outcomes of pain and function and can be recommended for people with knee OA and obesity. WB exercise may be preferred given fewer adverse events and potential additional benefits on some secondary outcomes. Registration Prospectively registered (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry #12617001013358, 14/7/2017).

Objective To investigate the feasibility of progressive resistance training for people with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), who have muscle weakness and very low muscle mass. Design Randomised controlled trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding and intention-to-treat analysis. Setting Community gymnasium. Participants Sixteen participants with PWS (eight female; mean age 25 years) were randomly assigned with 1:1 allocation to an experimental (n = 8) or control group (n = 8). Intervention Progressive resistance training was performed twice a week for 10 weeks. The training was supervised one-to-one by a physiotherapist and comprised seven exercises. The control group continued their usual activities and were offered the training after follow-up assessment. Main outcome measures Three domains of feasibility were evaluated: implementation (attendance and adherence), practicality (safety) and limited efficacy testing. Muscle strength (one repetition maximum for chest and leg press), physical function (box stacking test, timed stairs climb), muscle composition (US) and body composition (whole-body DXA scan) were measured before and after the intervention. Results Participants attended 92% of scheduled sessions and adhered by progressing their training resistance by 82% (range 60–140%). There was one unexpected serious adverse event unrelated to the intervention and several non-serious expected adverse events related to the intervention. Estimates of standardised mean differences indicated moderate to large effects in favour of the experimental group for arm (0.92, 95%CI −0.11 to 1.95) and leg strength (0.78, 95%CI −0.27 to 1.83). The effect was uncertain for secondary outcomes. Conclusions There is preliminary evidence showing progressive resistance training is feasible for people with Prader-Willi syndrome and may increase muscle strength. Clinical Trial Registration Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616000107426.

OBJECTIVE: Develop a generic trans-disciplinary, skills-based capability framework for health professionals providing care for people with OA.DESIGN: e-Delphi survey. An international inter-professional Delphi Panel (researchers; clinicians; consumer representatives) considered a draft framework (adapted from elsewhere) of 131 specific capabilities mapped to 14 broader capability areas across four domains (A: person-centred approaches; B: assessment, investigation and diagnosis; C: management, interventions and prevention; D: service and professional development). Over three rounds, the Panel rated their agreement (Likert or numerical rating scales) on whether each specific capability in Domains B and C was essential (core) for all health professionals when providing care for all people with OA. Those achieving consensus (≥80% of Panel) rating of ≥ seven out of ten (Round 3) were retained. Generic domains (A and D) were included in the final framework and amended based on Panel comments.RESULTS: 173 people from 31 countries, spanning 18 disciplines and including 26 consumer representatives, participated. The final framework comprised 70 specific capabilities across 13 broad areas i) communication; ii) person-centred care; iii) history-taking; iv) physical assessment; v) investigations and diagnosis; vi) interventions and care planning; vii) prevention and lifestyle interventions; viii) self-management and behaviour change; ix) rehabilitative interventions; x) pharmacotherapy; xi) surgical interventions; xii) referrals and collaborative working; and xiii) evidence-based practice and service development).CONCLUSION: Experts agree that health professionals require an array of skills in person-centred approaches; assessment, investigation and diagnosis; management, interventions and prevention; and service and professional development to provide optimal care for people with OA.

Deep hip muscle retraining is a common objective of non-operative management for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome. These muscles are considered to have an important role in hip joint stabilization, however, it is unclear whether their function is altered in the presence of hip pathology. This exploratory study aimed to investigate activation patterns of the hip muscles during two squatting tasks in individuals with and without FAI syndrome.Fifteen individuals with FAI syndrome (symptoms, clinical examination and imaging) and 14 age- and sex-comparable healthy controls underwent testing. Intramuscular fine-wire and surface electrodes recorded electromyographic activity of selected deep and superficial hip muscles during the squatting tasks. Activation patterns from individual muscles were compared between-groups using a wavelet-based linear mixed effects model (P 0.05).There were no between-group differences for squat depth or speed during descent or ascent for either task. Participants with FAI syndrome exhibited patterns of activation that differed significantly to controls across all muscles (P 0.05) when squatting using their preferred strategy. Unlike controls, participants with FAI syndrome exhibited a pattern of activation for obturator internus during descent that was similar in amplitude to ascent, despite the contrasting contraction type (i.e. eccentric vs concentric).Individuals with FAI syndrome appear to implement a protective strategy as the hip descends towards the impingement position. Future studies should examine patients prospectively to establish whether these strategies are counterproductive for pathology and warrant rehabilitation.

Summary Objective Consistent evidence-practice gaps in osteoarthritis (OA) care are observed in primary care settings globally. Building workforce capacity to deliver high-value care requires a contemporary understanding of barriers to care delivery. We aimed to explore barriers to OA care delivery among clinicians and students. Design A cross-sectional, multinational study sampling clinicians (physiotherapists, primary care nurses, general practitioners (GPs), GP registrars; total possible denominator: n = 119,735) and final-year physiotherapy and medical students (denominator: n = 2,215) across Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Respondents answered a survey, aligned to contemporary implementation science domains, which measured barriers to OA care using categorical and free-text responses. Results 1886 clinicians and 1611 students responded. Items within the domains ‘health system' and ‘patient-related factors' represented the most applicable barriers experienced by clinicians (25–42% and 20–36%, respectively), whereas for students, ‘knowledge and skills' and ‘patient-related factors' (16–24% and 19–28%, respectively) were the most applicable domains. Meta-synthesis of qualitative data highlighted skills gaps in specific components of OA care (tailoring exercise, nutritional/overweight management and supporting positive behaviour change); assessment, measurement and monitoring; tailoring care; managing case complexity; and translating knowledge to practice (especially among students). Other barriers included general infrastructure limitations (particularly related to community facilities); patient-related factors (e.g., beliefs and compliance); workforce-related factors such as inconsistent care and a general knowledge gap in high-value care; and system and service-level factors relating to financing and time pressures, respectively. Conclusions Clinicians and students encounter barriers to delivery of high-value OA care in clinical practice/training (micro-level); within service environments (meso-level); and within the health system (macro-level).

In osteoarthritis (OA) clinical trials, reliable and responsive outcome measures to document physical and functional improvements are limited.This study aimed to assess whether the use of an activity tracker in an OA clinical trial is a responsive measurement tool. Secondary objectives assessed feasibility and validity.We recruited 65 participants in a prospective cohort study nested in a placebo-controlled clinical trial of platelet-rich plasma injection in knee OA. Participants wore an activity tracker (Fitbit Flex 2), and a smartphone was preloaded with a mobile application (OApp) designed to monitor load rates as a surrogate of knee loading. Participants used the systems for 7 days at baseline and for 7 days before the 2-month follow-up assessment. Effect size (ES) and standardised response mean (SRM) were calculated for change in step count and knee loading rate and regularly used knee OA outcome measures. Correlation coefficients (r) were calculated to examine the strength of the association between outcome measures.. Step count showed a trivial ES and SRM and mean knee loading rate measurements a moderate ES and SRM. We found a weak but significant correlation between change in mean steps per day and global improvement overall (r= 0.28) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index function (r = -0.28). Compliance was high with the activity trackers.Despite good feasibility, this study did not show significant responsiveness or validity of the activity trackers as compared with currently recommended outcome measures in OA clinical trials. The main challenge is the lack of a gold standard outcome measure to validate against, and because of the complex interplay between pain and measured function, a lack of correlation does not necessarily represent a failed validation in this context.ACTRN12617000853347. This trial is a substudy of the "Platelet-rich plasma as a symptom-and disease-modifying treatment for knee osteoarthritis - the RESTORE trial".

Aim to compare the effectiveness and harms of higher exercise dose, including higher exercise load and/or higher volume, with lower exercise dose (lower load and/or lower volume) in people with rotator cuff tendinopathy Design Systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42017077478) Data sources CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL from inception to March 2019. Eligibility criteria Randomised controlled trials comparing higher versus lower dose exercise. Data extraction and risk of bias Two authors independently determined eligibility, extracted data and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane tool. Outcomes were function and pain (overall, activity, night), and proportion of participants with adverse events. The primary endpoint was >six weeks to three months (other endpoints included up to six weeks & beyond three months) and GRADE was used to assess evidence certainty. Results Three trials (N=283), none at low risk of bias for all domains, were included. Low certainty evidence (1 trial, N=102) indicated improved function (20 points [95% CI 12 to 28 points] on 0-100 point scale) with higher load and volume exercise at three months, but little or no clinically important between-group difference in activity or night pain (overall pain not reported). Very low certainty evidence (1 trial, N=120) indicated higher load exercise conferred no function benefits over lower load exercise at six weeks. Very low certainty evidence (1 trial, N=61) indicated benefit of uncertain clinical importance in function with higher versus lower volume exercise at three months and clinically important benefit at >3 months (pain outcomes not reported). Risk of adverse events was uncertain. Conclusions There are few studies that investigate higher dose exercise for rotator cuff tendinopathy.Low to very low certainty and conflicting evidence found about the value of higher versus lower dose exercise for people with rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Summary Objective To document the management of foot/ankle osteoarthritis/arthritis (OA) by general practitioners (GP) in Australia. Design We analysed data from the Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health Program April 2010–March 2016 inclusive. Patient and GP encounter characteristics were extracted. Data were classified by the International Classification of Primary Care, Version 2, and summarised using descriptive statistics and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) around point estimates. Results The dataset included 583,900 patient-encounter records among which foot/ankle OA was managed 621 times, at a rate of 1.1 per 1000 encounters, with an annual estimated 152,000 GP encounters nationally. The management rate was most frequent among patients aged 65–74 years (2.25 per 1000 encounters). Comorbidities were managed at a rate of 105.8 per 100 encounters, the most common being hypertension, and few being other musculoskeletal problems. Foot/ankle OA was mostly managed using medication (64.6 per 100 problems), with prescription rates far exceeding non-pharmacological strategies such as counselling, advice or education (17.7 per 100), or allied health referral (10.1 per 100). When considering specific health/medical professionals, patients were referred to orthopaedic surgeons 8.4 times per 100 foot/ankle problems, podiatrists 6.3 times per 100 foot/ankle problems, and physiotherapists 2.6 times per 100 foot/ankle problems. Conclusions Pharmacological management rates of foot/ankle OA were high and substantially exceeded non-pharmacological management such as lifestyle advice and allied health referral. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of this care compared to self-management and conservative non-drug treatment in people with foot/ankle OA.

Summary Objective Physiotherapists typically prescribe exercise therapy for people with osteoarthritis (OA) via face-to-face consultations. This study aimed to explore peoples' perceptions of exercise therapy delivered by physiotherapists via telephone for their knee OA. Design A qualitative study (based on interpretivist methodology) embedded within a randomised controlled trial. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 20 people with knee OA who had received exercise advice and support from one of eight physiotherapists via telephone over 6 months. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Results Although people with OA were initially sceptical about receiving exercise therapy via telephone, they described mostly positive experiences, valuing the convenience and accessibility. However, some desired visual contact with the physiotherapist and suggested including video-conferencing calls or an initial in-person clinic visit. Participants valued the sense of undivided focus and attention they received from the physiotherapist and believed that they were able to communicate effectively via telephone. Participants felt confident performing their exercise program without supervision and described benefits including increased muscular strength, improved pain, and ability to perform tasks that they had not been previously able to. Conclusions People with knee OA held mostly positive perceptions about receiving exercise therapy from a physiotherapist via telephone, suggesting that such a service is broadly acceptable to consumers. Such services were generally not viewed as a substitute for face-to-face physiotherapy care, but rather as a new option that could increase accessibility of physiotherapy services, particularly for follow-up consultations.

Summary Objective To determine if an increase in knee extensor strength mediates the effect of a 12-week knee extensor strength training program on pain and physical function improvement in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Design Secondary analysis from a randomised controlled trial comparing the effects of a 12-week knee extensor strengthening exercise program to a control group with no intervention. Methods Data from participants with complete data ( n = 97) enrolled in a previous clinical trial were analysed. Baseline and 12-week follow-up assessments included peak isometric knee extensor strength, pain and physical function. Peak knee extensor strength (Nm/kg) was assessed on an isokinetic dynamometer and subscales of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index were used to assess pain and physical function. Twelve-week change in pain and physical function were regressed separately, on 12-week change in knee extensor strength and group allocation. Covariates included baseline pain or physical function as appropriate, and baseline knee extensor strength, age, sex and knee alignment (stratification variable). Results Improved knee extensor strength mediated the effect of the strengthening program on both pain relief (mediated effect size = 0.69, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.05–1.33, P = 0.03), and improved physical function (mediated effect size = 1.86, 95% CI 0.08–3.64, P = 0.04), at 12 weeks. Conclusions Increased knee extensor strength partially mediates the effect of a knee extensor strength training program on pain and physical function improvement in people with knee OA.

To estimate the reliability and measurement error of performance-based tests of physical function recommended by the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) in people with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis (OA).Prospective repeated measures between independent raters within a session and within-rater over a week interval. Relative reliability was estimated for 51 people with hip and/or knee OA (mean age 64.5 years, standard deviation (SD) 6.21 years; 47% females; 36 (70%) primary knee OA) on the 30s Chair Stand Test (30sCST), 40m Fast-Paced Walk Test (40mFPWT), 11-Stair Climb Test (11-step SCT), Timed Up and Go (TUG), Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), 10m Fast-Paced Walk Test (10mFPWT) and 20s Stair Climb Test (20sSCT) using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Absolute reliability was calculated using standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC).Measurement error was acceptable (SEM 10%) for all tests. Between-rater reliability was: optimal (ICC 0.9, lower 1-sided 95% CI 0.7) for the 40mFPWT, 6MWT and 10mFPWT; sufficient (ICC0.8, lower 1-sided 95% CI 0.7) for 30sCST, 20sSCT; unacceptable (lower 1-side 95% CI 0.7) for 11-step SCT and TUG. Within-rater reliability was optimal for 40mFPWT, and 6MWT; sufficient for 30sCST and 10mFPWT and unacceptable for 11-step SCT, TUG and 20sSCT.The 30sCST, 40mFPWT, 6MWT and 10mFPWT, demonstrated, at minimum, acceptable levels of both between and within-rater reliability and measurement error. All tests demonstrated sufficiently small measurement error indicating they are adequate for measuring change over time in individuals with knee/hip OA.

Objective\ud To assess whether foot and/or ankle symptoms are associated with an increased risk of worsening of knee pain and radiographic change in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA).\ud \ud Methods\ud The presence and laterality of foot/ankle symptoms were recorded at baseline in 1368 participants from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) with symptomatic radiographic knee OA. Knee pain severity (measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain subscale) and minimum medial tibiofemoral joint space (minJSW) width measured on X-ray were assessed yearly over the subsequent 4 years. Associations between foot/ankle symptoms and worsening of (1) knee pain, and (2) both knee pain and minJSW (i.e., symptomatic radiographic knee OA) were assessed using logistic regression.\ud \ud Results\ud Foot/ankle symptoms in either foot/ankle significantly increased the odds of knee pain worsening (adjusted OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.91). Laterality analysis showed ipsilateral (adjusted OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.10), contralateral (adjusted OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.06) and bilateral foot/ankle symptoms (adjusted OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.13) were all associated with knee pain worsening in the follow up period. There was no association between foot/ankle symptoms and worsening of symptomatic radiographic knee OA.\ud \ud Conclusion\ud The presence of foot/ankle symptoms in people with symptomatic radiographic knee OA was associated with increased risk of knee pain worsening, but not worsening of symptomatic radiographic knee OA, over the subsequent 4 years. Future studies should investigate whether treatment of foot/ankle symptoms reduces the risk of knee pain worsening in people with knee OA.

Objective\ud To investigate whether foot and/or ankle symptoms increase the risk of developing (1) knee symptoms and (2) symptomatic radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA).\ud \ud Design\ud 1020 Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) participants who were at-risk of knee OA, but were without knee symptoms or radiographic knee OA, were investigated. Participants indicated the presence and laterality of foot/ankle symptoms at baseline. The main outcome was development of knee symptoms (pain, aching or stiffness in and around the knee on most days of the month for at least 1 month in the past year). A secondary outcome was development of symptomatic radiographic knee OA (symptoms plus Kellgren and Lawrence [KL] grade ≥2), over the subsequent 4 years. Associations between foot/ankle symptoms and study outcomes were assessed by logistic regression models.\ud \ud Results\ud Foot/ankle symptoms in either or both feet significantly increased the odds of developing knee symptoms (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10 to 2.19), and developing symptomatic radiographic knee OA (adjusted OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.69 to 6.37). Based on laterality, contralateral foot/ankle symptoms were associated with developing both knee symptoms (adjusted OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.68) and symptomatic radiographic knee OA (adjusted OR 3.08, 95% CI 1.06 to 8.98), whilst bilateral foot/ankle symptoms were associated with developing symptomatic radiographic knee OA (adjusted OR 4.02, 95% CI 1.76 to 9.17).\ud \ud Conclusion\ud In individuals at-risk of knee OA, the presence of contralateral foot/ankle symptoms in particular increases risk of developing both knee symptoms and symptomatic radiographic knee OA.

Background Greater impact loading at initial contact is postulated to play a role in the progression of osteoarthritis. Quadriceps weakness is common in individuals with knee osteoarthritis and may contribute to high impact loading. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of quadriceps strengthening on impact loading parameters. Methods Data from 97 individuals with knee osteoarthritis who participated in a randomized clinical trial examining effects of a 12-week quadriceps strengthening program was used to conduct this secondary exploratory analysis. Participants completed a three-dimensional gait assessment within 10% of 1.0m/s from which maximum rate of loading (Body Weight/second), average rate of loading (Body Weight/second), and peak vertical ground reaction force during early stance (Body Weight) were determined. Peak isometric quadriceps strength (Nm/kg) was also assessed. Findings There was a significant increase in quadriceps strength in the training group (mean change (95%CI): 0.35(0.25, 0.045) Nm/kg, P =0.01) with no change in the control group (mean change (95%CI): 0.03(−0.39, 0.45) Nm/kg, P >0.05). There were no changes in impact loading variables. With data from both groups combined, changes in quadriceps strength explained 3% of variance in the change in maximum rate of loading. Change in quadriceps strength was not predictive of the change in peak vertical ground reaction force or average rate of loading. Interpretations While change in strength was predictive of change in maximal loading rate, this explained only a small proportion of the variance. Future research examining the role parameters such as neuromuscular control play in impact loading are warranted.

To validate simple criteria that distinguish flat flexible from stable supportive walking shoes by comparing their effects on the knee adduction moment (KAM) in people with medial knee osteoarthritis (OA).This was a cross-sectional biomechanical study. We proposed five criteria to differentiate flat flexible from stable supportive shoes, and selected three pairs of shoes representing each class for biomechanical testing. 28 participants aged ≥50 years with symptomatic medial knee OA underwent gait analysis barefoot and wearing each of the six selected shoes, in random order. Differences in the peak KAM, KAM impulse and peak knee flexion moment (KFM) across test conditions were evaluated with a two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Immediate changes in walking pain between conditions were also compared.Increases in KAM from barefoot were lower with each of the three flat flexible shoe styles (peak KAM: 6.1-8.9%; KAM impulse: 2.4-5.1%) compared to their stable supportive counterparts (peak KAM: 11.6-15.1%; KAM impulse 10.5-13.2%). There was a significant main effect for footwear class on peak KAM and KAM impulse, whereby stable supportive shoes increased the KAM significantly more than flat flexible shoes (P 0.001). There were no differences in the KFM or immediate walking pain between footwear classes.Our proposed criteria can be used by researchers and clinicians to select flat flexible shoes for people with medial knee OA to minimise knee loading. Future research should evaluate whether wearing shoes based on these criteria translates to improvements in knee OA symptoms and/or slows structural disease progression.

Introduction This study aimed to evaluate associations between strength of selected hip and knee muscles and self-reported physical function, and their clinical relevance, in men and women with hip osteoarthritis (OA). Methods Cross-sectional data from 195 participants with symptomatic hip OA were used. Peak isometric torque of hip extensors, flexors, and abductors, and knee extensors were measured, along with physical function using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index questionnaire. Separate linear regressions in men and women were used to determine the association between strength and physical function accounting for age, pain, and radiographic disease severity. Subsequently, magnitudes of strength associated with estimates of minimal clinically important improvement (MCII) in physical function were estimated according to severity of difficulty with physical function. Results For men, greater strength of the hip extensors, hip flexors and knee extensors were each associated with better physical function. For women, greater muscle strength of all tested muscles were each associated with better physical function. For men and women, increases in muscle strength between 17–32%, 133–223%, and 151–284% may be associated with estimates of MCII in physical function for those with mild, moderate, and severe physical dysfunction, respectively. Conclusion Greater isometric strength of specific hip and thigh muscle groups may be associated with better self-reported physical function in men and women. In people with mild physical dysfunction, an estimate of MCII in physical function may be associated with attainable increases in strength. However, in patients with more severe dysfunction, greater and perhaps unattainable strength increases may be associated with an estimate of MCII in physical function. Longitudinal studies are required to validate these observations.

Summary Objective To investigate relationships between external knee adduction moment parameters (KAM) and osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms according to disease severity. Design 164 participants with symptomatic medial knee OA were included. Radiographic severity was graded by (1) Kellgren & Lawrence (KL) scale (Grade 2, n = 49; Grade, n = 52; Grade 4, n = 63) and; (2) medial tibiofemoral joint space narrowing (JSN) (Grade 1, n = 47; Grade 2, n = 50; Grade 3, n = 67). KAM-related parameters (peak KAM, KAM impulse and cumulative load) were determined from three-dimensional gait analysis and pedometry. Cumulative load was determined by multiplying KAM impulse by the average number of steps/day recorded over at least 5 days. Symptoms were assessed via numeric rating scale ((NRS), pain) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index (pain and physical function). Relationships between KAM parameters (independent variables) and symptoms (dependent variables) were evaluated by radiographic severity using linear models, adjusting for covariates. Results In mild disease (either KL Grade 2 or JSN Grade 1), there were no associations between KAM and symptoms. In moderate disease of KL Grade 3, higher KAM impulse was associated with greater WOMAC pain. In severe disease (KL Grade 4), higher KAM impulse was associated with less WOMAC pain (KL Grade 4), while higher peak KAM was associated with better function (KL Grade 4). Higher cumulative knee adduction load was associated with less pain on both NRS and WOMAC (JSN Grade 3) as well as better function (both JSN Grade 3 and KL Grade 4). Conclusions Relationships between KAM-related parameters and symptoms differ according to underlying radiographic OA severity.

Objective To provide a summary of the translational gaps in musculoskeletal research as identified in the Mine the Gap workshop and propose possible solutions. Methods The Mine the Gap online workshop was hosted on October 14th and 15th, 2020. Five international panels, each comprised of a clinician, clinical researcher and basic scientist, presented gaps and proposed solutions for the themes of biomechanics, pain, biological measurements, phenotypes and imaging. This was followed by an interactive panel discussion with consumer insights. Results A number of translational gaps and proposed solutions across each of the five themes were identified. A consumer panel provided constructive feedback highlighting the need for improved resources, communication and shared decision making, and treatment individualisation. Conclusion This brief report provides a greater understanding of the diverse work and gaps relevant to fundamental/discovery scientists, clinical researchers and clinicians working across the musculoskeletal field. The numerous translational gaps highlight the need to improve communication and collaboration across the musculoskeletal field.

Summary Objective To quantify the risk of knee pain exacerbation associated with temperature, relative humidity, air pressure and precipitation in persons with knee osteoarthritis. Method A web-based case-crossover study was conducted. Participants with a diagnosis of symptomatic, radiographic knee osteoarthritis were measured at baseline and followed for 3 months. Participants were instructed to log on to the study website if they perceived experiencing knee pain exacerbation (hazard period). Pain exacerbation was defined as an increase of ≥2 on a 0–10 numeric rating scale (NRS) from the participant's mildest pain reported at baseline. A time-stratified case-crossover study was conducted to anchor the corresponding hazard date to four control periods within a particular 35-day interval. Data on maximum and minimum temperature (°C), relative humidity (%), barometric pressure (hPa) and precipitation (mm) were obtained for the hazard and control periods from the publicly available meteorological database of the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. The associations were assessed using conditional logistic regression. Results Of the 345 participants recruited, 171 participants (women: 64%, mean age: 62 years, mean BMI: 30.2 kg/m 2 ) experienced at least one episode of pain exacerbation, yielding 1,425 observations included in the analyses. There was no apparent association between temperature, relative humidity, air pressure or precipitation and risk of knee pain exacerbation. Conclusion Despite anecdotal reports from patients, change in weather factors does not appear to influence the risk of pain exacerbation in persons with knee osteoarthritis. Additional studies should quantify the association of weather and risk of pain exacerbation in regions with more extreme weather conditions.

Background: Numerous scientific organisations have developed evidence-based recommendations aiming to optimise the management of osteoarthritis (OA). Uptake, however, has been suboptimal. The purpose of this exercise was to harmonize the recent recommendations and develop a user-friendly treatment algorithm to facilitate translation of evidence into practice. Methods: We updated a previous systematic review on clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for OA management. The guidelines were assessed using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation for quality and the standards for developing trustworthy CPGs as established by the National Academy of Medicine (NAM). Four case scenarios and algorithms were developed by consensus of a multidisciplinary panel. Results: Sixteen guidelines were included in the systematic review. Most recommendations were directed toward physicians and allied health professionals, and most had multi-disciplinary input. Analysis for trustworthiness suggests that many guidelines still present a lack of transparency. A treatment algorithm was developed for each case scenario advised by recommendations from guidelines and based on panel consensus. Conclusion: Strategies to facilitate the implementation of guidelines in clinical practice are necessary. The algorithms proposed are examples of how to apply recommendations in the clinical context, helping the clinician to visualise the patient flow and timing of different treatment modalities. (C) 2016 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Background Altered quadriceps corticomotor excitability has been demonstrated following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and reconstruction, however only the single joint vasti muscles have been assessed. There is no current data on rectus femoris corticomotor excitability following ACL injury, the biarticular quadriceps muscle also critical for force attenuation and locomotion. The purpose of this study was to examine rectus femoris corticomotor excitability, intracortical inhibition and cortical motor representation in individuals with and without an ACL injury. Methods A cross-sectional design was used to evaluate corticomotor excitability bilaterally in individuals with a physician confirmed ACL injury (12 males, six females; mean±SD age: 29.6±8.4years; BMI: 24.8±2.3kg·m 2 ; 69.5±42.5days post-injury) compared to a healthy control group (12 males, six females; age: 29.2±6.8years; BMI: 24.6±2.3kg·m 2 ). Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to assess corticomotor excitability and cortical motor representation, and paired-pulse TMS used to assess intracortical inhibition for rectus femoris while participants maintained a knee extension force at 10% of body weight. Results The cortical silent period (cSP) duration was longer in the injured limb of the ACL group compared to the uninjured limb ( P =0.004). No significant differences were found for corticomotor excitability, intracortical inhibition or cortical motor representation center position and size ( P >0.05). Conclusions There is preliminary evidence that the cSP is longer, but changes in rectus femoris corticomotor excitability and cortical motor representation are not present following ACL injury.

Summary Objectives To (1) document pain location in medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis (OA) using the patient-administered Photographic Knee Pain Map (PKPM); (2) compare pain severity, nature and likelihood of neuropathic-like symptoms, physical dysfunction and presence of symptoms at other sites across the most common pain patterns. Design Baseline data were analysed from 164 participants with medial tibiofemoral OA (TFJOA) participating in a randomised controlled trial (RCT). Participants completed the PKPM indicating all relevant pain zones of their most painful knee. Pain zones were collapsed into regions to determine patterns of pain. Symptoms were quantified using numeric rating scales (NRSs) of pain severity, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain (ICOAP) and painDETECT questionnaires. Symptoms at other joints were categorised as present/absent. Results The medial joint line ( n = 123, 75%), patellar tendon ( n = 62, 38%) and posterior knee ( n = 61, 37%) were the most frequently reported pain zones. The most frequent patterns were diffuse (41%), isolated medial (16%), anterior-medial (12%) and medial-posterior (11%) pain. WOMAC and ICOAP scores were higher in the diffuse compared to anterior-medial patterns. Mean PainDETECT scores were higher with both diffuse and medial-posterior pain relative to anterior-medial pain. Conclusion Only 16% of the cohort indicated isolated medial knee pain, whilst a diffuse pain pattern was most common. People with diffuse knee pain reported more severe pain and physical dysfunction than those with anterior-medial pain. Prevalence of possible/likely neuropathic-like symptoms tended to be more frequent in diffuse and posterior-medial patterns compared to anterior-medial pain.

Background As knee osteoarthritis (OA) cannot be cured, treatments that slow structural disease progression are a priority. Knee muscle activation has a potential role in OA pathogenesis. Although enhanced knee muscle co-contraction augments joint stability; this may speed structural disease progression by increased joint load. Objective This study investigated the relationship between cartilage loss and duration of co-contraction of medial/lateral knee muscles in medial knee OA. Design Prospective cohort study. Methods Medial (vastus medialis; semimembranosus) and lateral (vastus lateralis; biceps femoris) knee muscle myoelectric activity was recorded in 50 people with medial knee OA during natural speed walking at baseline. Medial tibial cartilage volume was measured from MRI at baseline and 12 months. Relationships between percent volume loss and duration of co-contraction of medial/lateral muscles around stance phase and ratio of duration of medial to lateral muscle co-contraction were evaluated with multiple linear regression. Results Greater duration of medial muscle co-contraction and greater duration of medial relative to lateral co-contraction correlated positively with annual percent loss of medial tibial cartilage volume ( P = 0.003). Estimated cartilage loss was 0.14 (95% confidence interval −0.23 to −0.05) greater for each increase in medial muscle co-contraction duration of 1% of the gait cycle. Lateral muscle co-contraction inversely correlated with cartilage loss. Conclusion Data support the hypothesis that augmented medial knee muscle co-contraction underpins faster progression of medial knee OA. Increased duration of lateral muscle co-contraction protected against medial cartilage loss. Exercise and biomechanical interventions to change knee muscle activation patterns provide possible candidates to slow progression of knee OA.

Background Lateral hip pain during walking is a feature of gluteal tendinopathy but little is known how walking biomechanics differ in individuals with gluteal tendinopathy. This study aimed to compare walking kinematics and kinetics between individuals with and without gluteal tendinopathy. Methods Three-dimensional walking-gait analysis was conducted on 40 individuals aged 35 to 70years with unilateral gluteal tendinopathy and 40 pain-free controls. An analysis of covariance was used to compare kinematic and kinetic variables between groups. Linear regression was performed to investigate the relationship between kinematics and external hip adduction moment in the gluteal tendinopathy group. Findings Individuals with gluteal tendinopathy demonstrated a greater hip adduction moment throughout stance than controls (standardized mean difference ranging from 0.60 (first peak moment) to 0.90 (second peak moment)). Contralateral trunk lean at the time of the first peak hip adduction moment was 1.2 degrees greater ( P =0.04), and pelvic drop at the second peak hip adduction moment 1.4 degrees greater ( P =0.04), in individuals with gluteal tendinopathy. Two opposite trunk and pelvic strategies were also identified within the gluteal tendinopathy group. Contralateral pelvic drop was significantly correlated with the first ( R =0.35) and second peak ( R =0.57) hip adduction moment, and hip adduction angle with the second peak hip adduction moment ( R =−0.36) in those with gluteal tendinopathy. Interpretation Individuals with gluteal tendinopathy exhibit greater hip adduction moments and alterations in trunk and pelvic kinematics during walking. Findings provide a basis to consider frontal plane pelvic control in the management of gluteal tendinopathy.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a morphological hip condition that can cause hip/groin pain and impaired function in younger active adults, and may lead to stiffness, muscle weakness, structural damage, and hip osteoarthritis. Understanding the impairments associated with FAI is crucial to guide treatment and rehabilitation strategies. Evidence is limited and conflicting about whether hip biomechanics are impaired during walking in people with symptomatic FAI. The objective of this study was to determine whether kinematics and kinetics during gait differ between people with symptomatic FAI and control participants. Fifteen participants diagnosed with symptomatic cam-type or combined (cam plus pincer) FAI who were scheduled for arthroscopic surgery and 14 age-, and sex-matched disease-free controls underwent three-dimensional gait analysis. Tri-planar hip kinematics and kinetics were compared between the two groups. There were limited significant between-group differences with respect to spatiotemporal variables. Participants with FAI walked with less range of motion in the sagittal plane during a gait cycle, but did not exhibit any significant kinematic differences in the frontal or transverse planes. There were no systematic differences in kinetics between the groups in any plane. Findings suggest that individuals with symptomatic FAI have minimal impairments in gait biomechanics. Although these individuals demonstrate reduced hip joint motion in the sagittal plane, the size of the difference is small and its significance for symptoms and function is unclear. More pronounced deficits in hip kinetics and kinematics may be evident during functional tasks that challenge the hip towards the position of impingement.

This study examined whether differences exist in tibial acceleration transients and electromyography (EMG) variables during running across female pubertal development. Sixty-four girls classified as pre- (n = 19), early/mid- (n = 22) and late/post-pubertal development (n = 23) ran in a laboratory whilst EMG data were recorded from quadriceps, hamstring and calf muscle groups, and acceleration transients from a triaxial accelerometer. The late/post-pubertal girls exhibited delayed vastus lateralis onset (mean difference (MD) = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.008, 0.34 ms)) compared to pre-pubertal girls, lower vastus lateralis pre-activation (MD = 7.02, 95% CI = 12.63, 1.42%) compared to early/mid-pubertal girls, and longer time to peak (TTP) anterior/posterior (A/P) tibial acceleration compared to pre-pubertal girls (MD = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.006, 0.03 s). By contrast, late/post-pubertal girls demonstrated earlier semitendinosus onset compared to both early/mid- (MD = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.005 ms) and pre-pubertal girls (MD = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.04, 0.007 ms). No other between-group differences were found for peak A/P, vertical and TTP vertical tibial acceleration (p > 0.05). Subsequently, regression analysis revealed that EMG variables accounted for approximately 34% (R2 = 0.34) of the variance in TTP A/P tibial acceleration. These findings highlight that neuromuscular recruitment patterns and kinetics differ across female pubertal development while running and should be further explored in the context of adolescent female musculoskeletal injuries.