title: The implementation of a community-based aerobic walking program for mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis: a knowledge translation randomized controlled trial: part II: clinical outcomes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder in the world, as it is appears to be prevalent among 80% of individuals over the age of 75. Although physical activities such as walking have been scientifically proven to improve physical function and arthritic symptoms, individuals with OA tend to adopt a sedentary lifestyle. There is therefore a need to improve knowledge translation in order to influence individuals to adopt effective self-management interventions, such as an adapted walking program.
  
  
  METHODS
  A single-blind, randomized control trial was conducted. Subjects (n = 222) were randomized to one of three knowledge translation groups: 1) Walking and Behavioural intervention (WB) (18 males, 57 females) which included the supervised community-based aerobic walking program combined with a behavioural intervention and an educational pamphlet on the benefits of walking; 2) Walking intervention (W) (24 males, 57 females) wherein participants only received the supervised community-based aerobic walking program intervention and the educational pamphlet; 3) Self-directed control (C) (32 males, 52 females) wherein participants only received the educational pamphlet. One-way analyses of variance were used to test for differences in quality of life, adherence, confidence, and clinical outcomes among the study groups at each 3 month assessment during the 12-month intervention period and 6-month follow-up period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The clinical and quality of life outcomes improved among participants in each of the three comparative groups. However, there were few statistically significant differences observed for quality of life and clinical outcomes at long-term measurements at 12-months end of intervention and at 6- months post intervention (18-month follow-up). Outcome results varied among the three groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The three groups were equivalent when determining the effectiveness of knowledge uptake and improvements in quality of life and other clinical outcomes. OA can be managed through the implementation of a proven effective walking program in existing community-based walking clubs.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Current Controlled Trials IRSCTNO9193542.
authors.affiliation: Public Health, specialization in Epidemiology, University Research Chair, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. lucie.brosseau@uottawa.ca
authors.forename: Lucie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Brosseau
authors.forename: George A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Wells
authors.forename: Glen P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Kenny
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maetzel
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tugwell
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Huijbregts
authors.forename: Carolyn
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McCullough
authors.forename: Gino
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: De Angelis
authors.forename: Lily
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D016730:Program Development; D011788:Quality of Life; D012648:Self Care; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking