Co-development and evaluation of the Musculoskeletal Telehealth Toolkit for physiotherapists.

INTRODUCTION: In-person physiotherapy services are not readily available to all individuals with musculoskeletal conditions, especially those in rural regions or with time-intensive responsibilities. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted that telehealth may facilitate access to, and continuity of care, yet many physiotherapists lack telehealth confidence and training. This project co-developed and evaluated a web-based professional development toolkit supporting physiotherapists to provide telehealth services for musculoskeletal conditions. METHODS: A mixed-methods exploratory sequential design applied modified experience-based co-design methods (physiotherapists [n = 13], clinic administrators [n = 2], and people with musculoskeletal conditions [n = 7]) to develop an evidence-informed toolkit. Semi-structured workshops were conducted, recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed, refining the toolkit prototype. Subsequently, the toolkit was promoted via webinars and social media. The usability of the toolkit was examined with pre-post surveys examining changes in confidence, knowledge, and perceived telehealth competence (19 statements modelled from the theoretical domains framework) between toolkit users (>30 min) and non-users (0 min) using chi-squared tests for independence. Website analytics were summarised. RESULTS: Twenty-two participants engaged in co-design workshops. Feedback led to the inclusion of more patient-facing resources, increased assessment-related visual content, streamlined toolkit organisation, and simplified, downloadable infographics. Three hundred and twenty-nine physiotherapists from 21 countries completed the baseline survey, with 172 (52%) completing the 3-month survey. Toolkit users had greater improvement in knowledge, confidence, and competence than non-users in 42% of statements. Seventy-two percentage of toolkit users said it changed their practice, and 95% would recommend the toolkit to colleagues. During the evaluation period, the toolkit received 5486 total views. DISCUSSION: The co-designed web-based Musculoskeletal Telehealth Toolkit is a professional development resource that may increase physiotherapist's confidence, knowledge, and competence in telehealth.

Canadian Physiotherapists Integrate Virtual Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Purpose: To examine Canadian physiotherapists' experiences in adapting their delivery of patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examine the level of strain on the profession and barriers and enablers to virtual care and provide strategies to support future virtual care implementation. Methods: From May to October 2020, a series of eight cross-sectional survey cycles were distributed every 2-4 weeks through branches and divisions of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, social media, and personal networks. Descriptive statistics summarized the main findings. Open ended questions were first analyzed inductively using thematic analysis, then deductively mapped to the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation Behavioural (COM-B) Model. Results: Between 1,820 (cycle 1) and 334 (cycle 7) physiotherapists responded. Median strain level was 5/5 (cycle 1) and dropped to median 3/5 (cycles 5-8). In cycle 1, 55% of physiotherapists had ceased in-person care, while 41% were providing modified in-person care. Of these physiotherapists, 79% were offering virtual care. As modified in-person care increased, virtual care continued as a substantial aspect of practice. Physiotherapists identified barriers (e.g., lack of hands-on care) and enabling factors (e.g., greater accessibility to patients) for virtual care. In-depth examination of the barriers and enablers through the COM-B lens identified potential interventions to support future virtual care implementation, including education and training resources for physiotherapists and communication and advocacy to patients and the public on the value of virtual care. Conclusions: Canadian physiotherapists exhibited high adaptability in response to COVID-19 through the rapid and widespread use of virtual care. By creating an in-depth understanding of the barriers and enablers to virtual care, along with potential interventions, this work will facilitate future opportunities to support and enhance physiotherapists' delivery of virtual care.

Objectif : examiner les expériences des physiothérapeutes canadiens qui ont adapté la prestation de leurs soins aux patients pendant la pandémie de COVID-19. Les auteurs ont examiné le degré de pression sur la profession de même que les obstacles et les incitations aux soins virtuels et ils proposent des stratégies pour appuyer la future mise en œuvre des soins virtuels. Méthodologie : de mai à octobre 2020, toutes les deux à quatre semaines, les auteurs ont distribué une série de huit cycles de sondages transversaux aux sections et divisions de l'Association canadienne de physiothérapie, aux réseaux sociaux et à leurs réseaux personnels. Ils ont utilisé des statistiques descriptives pour résumer leurs principales observations. Ils ont d'abord procédé à l'examen inductif des questions ouvertes par une analyse thématique, puis ont entrepris la cartographie déductive du modèle comportemental de capacité-possibilité-motivation (COM-B). Résultats : entre 1 820 (cycle 1) et 334 (cycle 7) physiothérapeutes ont répondu. Le degré médian de pression a atteint 5/5 (cycle 1), pour reculer à 3/5 (cycles 5 à 8). Au cours du cycle 1, 55 % des physiothérapeutes ont interrompu leurs soins en présentiel, tandis que 41 % ont fourni des soins modifiés en présentiel. Par ailleurs, 79 % de tous ces physiothérapeutes ont offert des soins virtuels. Alors que les soins modifiés en présentiel ont augmenté, les soins virtuels ont continué de représenter un volet substantiel de la pratique. Les physiothérapeutes ont relevé des obstacles (p. ex., absence de soins manuels) et des incitatifs (p. ex., plus grande accessibilité aux patients) aux soins virtuels. L'examen approfondi des obstacles et des incitatifs en fonction du modèle COM-B a permis d'extraire des interventions possibles pour appuyer la future mise en œuvre des soins virtuels, y compris des ressources d'éducation et de formation pour les physiothérapeutes et les communications et la promotion de la valeur des soins virtuels auprès des patients et du public. Conclusions : les physiothérapeutes canadiens ont fait preuve d'une grande adaptabilité en réponse à la COVID-19 grâce au recours rapide et généralisé aux soins virtuels. Par une compréhension approfondie des obstacles et des incitations aux soins virtuels et des interventions potentielles, la présente étude favorisera les futures occasions de soutenir et d'améliorer la prestation des soins virtuels par des physiothérapeutes.

Patient and clinician perspectives of online-delivered exercise programmes for chronic musculoskeletal conditions: a mixed-methods systematic review.

PURPOSE: To synthesize common or differing perceptions of patients' and clinicians' that influence uptake of online-delivered exercise programmes (ODEPs) for chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. METHODS: Eight databases were searched from inception to April 2023 for studies including (1) patients with and/or clinicians delivering ODEPs for chronic MSK conditions, and (2) synchronous ODEPs, where information is exchanged simultaneously (mode A); asynchronous ODEPs, with at least one synchronous feature (mode B); or no ODEPs, documenting past experiences and/or likelihood of participating in an ODEP (mode C). Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklists were used to assess study quality. Perceptions of patients' and clinicians' influencing uptake of ODEPs were extracted. Quantitative and qualitative data were synthesised and integrated. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were included (twelve quantitative, seven qualitative, and two mixed-methods) investigating the perceptions of 1275 patients and 534 clinicians on ODEP mode A (n = 7), mode B (n = 8), and mode C (n = 6). Sixteen of the 23 identified perceptions related to satisfaction, acceptability, usability, and effectiveness were common, with 70% of perceptions facilitating uptake and 30% hindering uptake. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the need to promote targeted education for patients and clinicians addressing interconnected perceptions, and to develop evidence-based perception-centred strategies encouraging integrated care and guideline-based management of chronic MSK conditions.

Almost 70% of perceptions related to satisfaction, acceptability, usability, and effectiveness that influence the uptake of online-delivered exercise programmes for chronic musculoskeletal conditions are shared by patients and clinicians.Patient perceptions that differ from clinicians and that hinder uptake include the risk of misdiagnosis, lack of social support, and advice from their clinic and/or clinician.Clinician perceptions that differ from patients and that hinder uptake include risk of last-minute appointment cancellations, the cost to set-up, and limitations of camera angles.Implementation of online-delivered exercise programmes may be supported by targeted education for patients and clinicians that addresses misinformed perceptions.

Co-design of the web-based 'My Knee' education and self-management toolkit for people with knee osteoarthritis.

Objective: Describe the co-design process and learnings related to developing the web-based Translating Research Evidence and Knowledge (TREK) 'My Knee' education and self-management toolkit for people with knee osteoarthritis. Co-design process: Stage (i): Understand and define; systematically reviewed education interventions in published trials; appraised web-based information about knee osteoarthritis; and used concept mapping to identify education priorities of people with knee osteoarthritis and physiotherapists. Stage (ii): Prototype; created a theory-, guideline- and evidence-informed toolkit. Stage (iii): Test and iterate; completed three co-design workshops with end-users (i.e., people with knee osteoarthritis and health professionals); plus an expert review. Results: The toolkit is available at myknee.trekeducation.org. Stage (i) identified the need for more accurate and co-designed resources to address broad education needs generated during concept mapping, including guidance on surgery, dispelling common misconceptions and facilitating engagement with exercise therapy and weight management. A theory- and research-informed prototype was created in Stage (ii) to address broad learning and education needs. Stage (iii) co-design workshops (n = 15 people with osteoarthritis and n = 9 health professionals) informed further content creation and refinement, alongside improvements to optimise usability. Expert opinion review (n = 8) further refined accuracy and usability. Conclusions: The novel co-design methodology employed to create the TREK 'My Knee' toolkit facilitated the alignment of the content and usability to meet the broad education needs of people with knee osteoarthritis and health professionals. This toolkit aims to improve and facilitate engagement with guideline-recommended first-line care for people with knee osteoarthritis. Future work will determine its effectiveness in improving clinical outcomes in this population.

Implementation of the Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark (GLA:D®) program via telehealth in Australia: A mixed-methods program evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to evaluate the implementation of the Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark (GLA:D®) program via telehealth in Australia using Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance Qualitative Evaluation for Systematic Translation framework. METHODS: Using a convergent mixed-methods design, semi-structured one-on-one interviews with physiotherapist adopters and nonadopters of GLA:D® via telehealth were analyzed thematically alongside the examination of registry data (1 March 2020-10 February 2022) from patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis completing GLA:D® via telehealth (telehealth-only) or combined with in-person care (hybrid). Effectiveness was determined as changes from baseline to 3-month follow-up (mean differences, 95% confidence intervals, effect size) for Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS-12)/Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-12 (HOOS-12), and chair stand test. Group- and individual-level changes were compared to published minimally clinically important change scores. RESULTS: Twenty-three interviews (12 adopters, 11 nonadopters) found key barriers/facilitators to reach and adoption, high perceived effectiveness, and strategies to support sustainability. Of 2612 registered patients, 85 (3%) and 115 (4%) completed GLA:D® via telehealth-only or hybrid model, respectively. Most effectiveness outcomes were associated with moderate-large improvements. Group-level changes exceeded minimally clinically important change values for KOOS/HOOS-quality of life and chair stand test. Nearly two out of three patients reached a minimally clinically important change for KOOS/HOOS-quality of life. With telehealth-only and hybrid delivery, 99% (n = 82) and 85% (n = 97) were satisfied/very satisfied. Physiotherapist adoption was limited (n = 128, 6%). DISCUSSION: GLA:D® delivered via telehealth is effective, had high patient satisfaction, and was perceived positively by physiotherapist adopters. Addressing low reach and adoption requires further implementation strategies to facilitate greater telehealth opportunities for patients and physiotherapists.

Let's talk about sex (and gender) after ACL injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis of self-reported activity and knee-related outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate sex/gender differences in self-reported activity and knee-related outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Seven databases were searched in December 2021. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Observational or interventional studies with self-reported activity (including return to sport) or knee-related outcomes after ACL injury. RESULTS: We included 242 studies (n=123 687, 43% females/women/girls, mean age 26 years at surgery). One hundred and six studies contributed to 1 of 35 meta-analyses (n=59 552). After ACL injury/reconstruction, very low-certainty evidence suggests females/women/girls had inferior self-reported activity (ie, return to sport, Tegner Activity Score, Marx Activity Scale) compared with males/men/boys on most (88%, 7/8) meta-analyses. Females/women/girls had 23%-25% reduced odds of returning to sport within 1-year post-ACL injury/reconstruction (12 studies, OR 0.76 95% CI 0.63 to 0.92), 1-5 years (45 studies, OR 0.75 95% CI 0.69 to 0.82) and 5-10 years (9 studies, OR 0.77 95% CI 0.57 to 1.04). Age-stratified analysis (<19 years) suggests female athletes/girls had 32% reduced odds of returning to sport compared with male athletes/boys (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.13, I2 0.0%). Very low-certainty evidence suggests females/women/girls experienced inferior knee-related outcomes (eg, function, quality of life) on many (70%, 19/27) meta-analyses: standardised mean difference ranging from -0.02 (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, KOOS-activities of daily living, 9 studies, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.02) to -0.31 (KOOS-sport and recreation, 7 studies, 95% CI -0.36 to -0.26). CONCLUSIONS: Very low-certainty evidence suggests inferior self-reported activity and knee-related outcomes for females/women/girls compared with males/men/boys after an ACL injury. Future studies should explore factors and design targeted interventions to improve outcomes for females/women/girls. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021205998.

OPTIKNEE 2022: consensus recommendations to optimise knee health after traumatic knee injury to prevent osteoarthritis.

The goal of the OPTIKNEE consensus is to improve knee and overall health, to prevent osteoarthritis (OA) after a traumatic knee injury. The consensus followed a seven-step hybrid process. Expert groups conducted 7 systematic reviews to synthesise the current evidence and inform recommendations on the burden of knee injuries; risk factors for post-traumatic knee OA; rehabilitation to prevent post-traumatic knee OA; and patient-reported outcomes, muscle function and functional performance tests to monitor people at risk of post-traumatic knee OA. Draft consensus definitions, and clinical and research recommendations were generated, iteratively refined, and discussed at 6, tri-weekly, 2-hour videoconferencing meetings. After each meeting, items were finalised before the expert group (n=36) rated the level of appropriateness for each using a 9-point Likert scale, and recorded dissenting viewpoints through an anonymous online survey. Seven definitions, and 8 clinical recommendations (who to target, what to target and when, rehabilitation approach and interventions, what outcomes to monitor and how) and 6 research recommendations (research priorities, study design considerations, what outcomes to monitor and how) were voted on. All definitions and recommendations were rated appropriate (median appropriateness scores of 7-9) except for two subcomponents of one clinical recommendation, which were rated uncertain (median appropriateness score of 4.5-5.5). Varying levels of evidence supported each recommendation. Clinicians, patients, researchers and other stakeholders may use the definitions and recommendations to advocate for, guide, develop, test and implement person-centred evidence-based rehabilitation programmes following traumatic knee injury, and facilitate data synthesis to reduce the burden of knee post-traumatic knee OA.

Long-term quality of life, work limitation, physical activity, economic cost and disease burden following ACL and meniscal injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis for the OPTIKNEE consensus.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the long-term health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL), work limitation, physical activity, health/economic cost and disease burden of traumatic ACL and/or meniscal injury. Findings will inform OPTIKNEE evidence-based consensus recommendations. DESIGN: Random-effects meta-analysis evaluated HRQoL (SF-36/SF-12/VR-12 Physical Component Scores (PCS) and Mental Component Scores (MCS), EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D)) stratified by time postinjury, and pooled mean differences (95% CI) between ACL-injured and uninjured controls. Other outcomes were synthesised descriptively. Risk-of-bias (RoB) and certainty of evidence (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) were assessed. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL searched inception: 22 November 2021. ELIGIBILITY: Studies reporting HRQoL, work limitations, physical activity levels, health/economic costs or disease burden, ≥2 years post-ACL and/or meniscal injury. RESULTS: Fifty studies were included (10 high-RoB, 28 susceptible-to-some-bias and 12 low-RoB). Meta-analysis (27 studies, very low certainty of evidence) estimated a pooled mean (95% CI) PCS of 52.4 (51.4 to 53.4) and MCS of 54.0 (53.0 to 55.0) 2-14 years post-ACL injury. Pooled PCS scores were worse >10 years (50.8 (48.7 to 52.9)) compared with 2-5 years (53.9 (53.1 to 54.7)) postinjury. Excluding high-RoB studies, PCS scores were worse in ACL-injured compared with uninjured controls (-1.5 (-2.9 to -0.1)). Six studies (low certainty of evidence) informed a pooled EQ-5D score of 0.83 (0.81 to 0.84). Some individuals experienced prolonged work absenteeism and modified activities ≥2 years post-ACL injury. ACL injury was associated with significant direct and indirect costs, and early ACL reconstruction may be less cost-effective than rehabilitation. Only three studies evaluated meniscal injury outcomes (all evaluated HRQoL). CONCLUSION: There is a very-low certainty of evidence that PCS scores ≥2 years post-ACL injury are worse than uninjured controls and decline over time, whereas MCS scores remain high. ACL injury can result in prolonged work absenteeism and high health/economic costs. Further studies are needed to determine the long-term burden of traumatic meniscal injury.

Strategies to prevent and manage running-related knee injuries: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to prevent and manage knee injuries in runners. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus up to May 2022. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with a primary aim of evaluating the effectiveness of intervention(s) to prevent or manage running-related knee injury. RESULTS: Thirty RCTs (18 prevention, 12 management) analysed multiple interventions in novice and recreational running populations. Low-certainty evidence (one trial, 320 participants) indicated that running technique retraining (to land softer) reduced the risk of knee injury compared with control treadmill running (risk ratio (RR) 0.32, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.63). Very low-certainty to low-certainty evidence from 17 other prevention trials (participant range: 24 -3287) indicated that various footwear options, multicomponent exercise therapy, graduated running programmes and online and in person injury prevention education programmes did not influence knee injury risk (RR range: 0.55-1.06). In runners with patellofemoral pain, very low-certainty to low-certainty evidence indicated that running technique retraining strategies, medial-wedged foot orthoses, multicomponent exercise therapy and osteopathic manipulation can reduce knee pain in the short-term (standardised mean difference range: -4.96 to -0.90). CONCLUSION: There is low-certainty evidence that running technique retraining to land softer may reduce knee injury risk by two-thirds. Very low-certainty to low-certainty evidence suggests that running-related patellofemoral pain may be effectively managed through a variety of active (eg, running technique retraining, multicomponent exercise therapy) and passive interventions (eg, foot orthoses, osteopathic manipulation). PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020150630.

New or Recurrent Knee Injury, Physical Activity, and Osteoarthritis Beliefs in a Cohort of Female Athletes 2 to 3 Years After ACL Reconstruction and Matched Healthy Peers.

BACKGROUND: At 2 to 3 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), the relationship between known modifiable osteoarthritis (OA) risk factors and recurrent knee injury is unknown. This study aimed to determine the odds of new or recurrent traumatic knee injury in a cohort of young female athletes with ACLR 2 to 3 years postsurgery compared with healthy control participants. Secondary objectives were to explore the relationships of moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and body mass index (BMI) with knee injury, and to document self-reported MVPA satisfaction and beliefs about OA. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2. METHODS: A total of 51 female athletes with unilateral ACLR 1 to 2 years previously and 51 age and sport-matched control participants underwent assessment of MVPA (GT3X accelerometers) and BMI. One year later, participants self-reported knee injuries. Bivariable conditional logistic regression explored the association between knee injury, MVPA, and BMI in each group (injury/control). RESULTS: At 1-year follow-up (n = 101), 19.6% of the injured cohort and 6.0% of control participants sustained a new or recurrent knee injury. The odds of knee injury for the injury group increased 7-fold over controls [odds ratio (OR) = 7.00 (95% CI = 0.86, 56.90)], although this was not statistically significant. The OR for MVPA was 0.98 (95% CI = 0.93, 1.03) and BMI was OR = 1.24 (95% CI = 0.85, 1.82). Half (56.0%) of injury participants and 66% of controls were satisfied with their MVPA; 81.6% of injury participants believed they had increased knee OA risk compared with someone who had never had a knee injury. CONCLUSION: In the 2 to 3 years after ACLR, 1 in 5 young female athletes had a new or recurrent knee injury. Based on the point estimate, injured participants were more likely to suffer a traumatic knee injury than matched control participants. MVPA and BMI were not associated with increased odds of knee injury. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinicians should be encouraged to have in-depth conversations with female athletes with previous ACLR regarding enjoyable and sustainable MVPA participation to promote long-term joint health.

Control of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Rationale: Cardiovascular disease accounts for one-third of deaths in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Better control of cardiovascular risk factors in primary care could improve outcomes. Objectives: To define the prevalence, monitoring, treatment, and control of risk factors in patients with COPD. Methods: Repeated cross-sectional analysis of primary care electronic medical records for all patients with COPD in the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network from 2013 to 2018 (n = 32,695 in 2018). A control group was matched 1:1 for age, sex, and rural residence (n = 32,638 in 2018). Five risk factors were defined using validated definitions including laboratory results: hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity, and smoking. Results: All risk factors were more common in patients with COPD compared with matched control subjects, including hypertension (52.3% vs. 44.9%), dyslipidemia (62.0% vs. 57.8%), diabetes (25.0% vs. 20.2%), obesity (40.8% vs. 36.8%), and smoking (40.9% vs. 11.4%), respectively. The mean Framingham risk score was 20.6% versus 18.6%, with 53.8% of patients with COPD being high risk (⩾20%). Monitoring of risk factors within the last year in patients with COPD in 2018 was suboptimal: 71.8% hypertension, 39.4% dyslipidemia, 74.5% diabetes, 52.3% obesity. Smoking status was infrequently recorded in the electronic record. In those monitored, guideline recommended targets were achieved in 60.8%, 46.6%, 57.4%, 10.6% and 12.0% for each risk factor. Cardiovascular therapies including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (69%), statins (69%), and smoking cessation therapies (27%) were underused. Conclusions: In patients with COPD, major cardiovascular risk factors are common, yet inadequately monitored, undertreated, and poorly controlled. Strategies are needed to improve comprehensive risk factor management proven to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Knowledge, confidence and learning needs of physiotherapists treating persistent knee pain in Australia and Canada: a mixed-methods study.

AIM: To determine the knowledge and confidence of physiotherapists in managing knee osteoarthritis (OA) and patellofemoral pain (PFP); and explore their learning behaviors and preferences related to the management of these knee conditions. METHODS: One hundred and sixteen Australian and Canadian Physiotherapists were recruited via social media, e-mail, and an online course. Part 1: Quantitative involved an online survey evaluating knowledge of evidence and confidence in providing treatments for knee OA and PFP. Part 2: Qualitative involved semi-structured interviews with 13 participants exploring current practice and learning needs, that were analyzed using an initial framework structured on interview questions, followed by inductive approach to identify additional themes. RESULTS: Awareness regarding evidence supporting exercise for knee OA and PFP was good (89-96%), and qualitative themes indicated physiotherapists emphasized exercise-therapy and education. Perceived value of passive treatments and surgery varied. Preference for face-to-face workshops to address learning needs, alongside describing time and cost barriers to access them, emerged from qualitative findings. Online learning formats were viewed as convenient, but not as effective as face-to-face learning. CONCLUSION: Knowledge and confidence related to interventions for knee OA and PFP of Australian and Canadian physiotherapist participants broadly aligns with guidelines. Knowledge translation strategies focused on face-to-face workshops, supported by online education may help to bridge evidence-to-practice gaps.

Knee Osteoarthritis Education Interventions in Published Trials Are Typically Unclear, Not Comprehensive Enough, and Lack Robust Development: Ancillary Analysis of a Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the content, development, and delivery of education interventions in clinical trials for people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN: Ancillary analysis of a systematic review. LITERATURE SEARCH: MEDLINE, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched from inception to April 2020. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials involving patient education for people with knee OA. DATA SYNTHESIS: Content of education interventions was matched against a predefined topic list (n = 14) and categorized as accurate and clear, partially accurate/lacks clarity, or not reported. We examined whether education interventions included skill development or stated learning objectives and if they were developed based on theory, previous research, or codesign principles. Delivery methods and mode(s) were also identified. Data were summarized descriptively. RESULTS: Thirty-eight education interventions (30 trials) were included. Interventions lacked comprehensiveness (median topics per intervention = 3/14, range = 0-11). Few topics were accurately and clearly described (10%, 13/136). Sixty-one percent (n = 23/38) of interventions targeted skill development, and 34% (n = 13/38) identified learning objectives. Forty-two percent (n = 16/38) were based on theory; 45% (n = 17/38) were based on research for chronic conditions, including 32% (n = 12/38) based on OA. Eleven percent of interventions (n = 4/38) were codesigned. Education was typically facilitated through face-to-face sessions (median = 9, range = 0-55), supplemented with telephone calls and/or written materials. CONCLUSION: Education interventions for people with knee OA lacked comprehensiveness plus accurate and clear descriptions of topics covered. Most interventions failed to identify learning objectives and were not based on theory, previous research, or codesign principles. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2022;52(5):276-286. Epub 14 Dec 2021. doi:10.2519/jospt.2022.10771.

Effect of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture on Physical Activity, Sports Participation, Patient-Reported Health Outcomes, and Physical Function in Young Female Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Return to sports (RTS) is frequently considered an indicator of successful recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However, despite the well-recognized health benefits of physical activity (PA), little is known about objectively measured PA in the 1 to 2 years after ACLR. Given that young female athletes have a high prevalence of ACLR and lower RTS rates as compared with their male counterparts, an in-depth examination of PA in this subgroup is warranted. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that female youth and young adults who have had ACLR in the previous 1 to 2 years would have less moderate or vigorous PA (MVPA) compared with healthy matched controls. We also hypothesized that the ACLR group would report lower levels of sports participation, patient-reported health outcomes, and physical function. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Participants included 51 female athletes with primary unilateral ACLR for a sports-related injury in the previous 1 to 2 years and 51 age- and sports-matched controls. Outcomes included objectively measured PA (GT3X accelerometers), previous and current sports participation and RTS, body mass index, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), triple single-leg hop, and one-leg rise. Mean within-pair differences with 95% CIs were used to assess differences between groups across all outcomes. Multivariable linear regression (clustered by pair) was used to examine whether the ACLR group had less MVPA than did the age- and sports-matched control group, adjusting for total wear time, age, time since injury, and body mass index. RESULTS: Median age was 17.8 years (range, 14.6-22.6 years). There was no significant difference between groups in MVPA. However, the injury group had fewer mean minutes per day of vigorous PA (-1.22; 95% CI, -2.40 to -0.04), poorer KOOS values on all subscales, and shorter triple single-leg hop distance. In the injury group, 28 (55%) returned to sports, including 14 (27.5%) who returned at preinjury performance level. Across both groups, over one-third changed their most important sport, shifting toward an individual-based sport. CONCLUSION: At 1 to 2 years after ACLR, female athletes demonstrated no differences in combined MVPA and only a very small reduction in vigorous PA, yet they had higher levels of self-reported knee pain and symptoms, reduced knee function in sports, lower quality of life, and poorer objective knee function compared with matched controls.

Identifying heart failure in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease through the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network in British Columbia: a case derivation study.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) poses a substantial global health burden, particularly in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The objective of this study was to validate an electronic medical record-based definition of HF in patients with COPD in primary care practices in the province of British Columbia, Canada. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective chart review from Sept. 1, 2018, to Dec. 31, 2018, for a cohort of patients from primary care practices in BC whose physicians were recruited through the BC node of the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network. Heart failure case definitions were developed by combining diagnostic codes, medication information and laboratory values available in primary care electronic medical records. These were compared with HF diagnoses identified through detailed chart review as the gold standard. Sensitivity, specificity, negative (NPV) and positive predictive values (PPV) were calculated for each definition. RESULTS: Charts of 311 patients with COPD were reviewed, of whom 72 (23.2%) had HF. Five categories of definitions were constructed, all of which had appropriate sensitivity, specificity and NPV. The optimal case definition consisted of 1 HF billing code or a specific combination of medications for HF. This definition had an excellent specificity (93.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 89.4%-96.1%), sensitivity (90.3%, 95% CI 81.0%-96.0%), PPV (80.2%, 95% CI 69.9%-88.3%) and NPV (97.0%, 95% CI 93.8%-98.8%). INTERPRETATION: This comprehensive case definition improves upon previous primary care HF definitions to include medication codes and laboratory data, along with previously used billing codes. A case definition for HF was derived and validated and can be used with data from electronic medical records to identify HF in patients with COPD in primary care accurately.

The English Knee Self-Efficacy Scale is a valid and reliable measure for knee-specific self-efficacy in individuals with a sport-related knee injury in the past 5 years.

PURPOSE: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the Swedish Knee Self-Efficacy Scale (K-SES) into English and evaluate the measurement properties in a sample of individuals with previous knee injury. METHODS: Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and evaluation followed the Beaton multi-step process and COSMIN guidelines. Participants (n = 125) aged 16-60 years with a sport-related intra-articular tibiofemoral or patellofemoral injury within the last 5 years completed the K-SES, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport After Injury Scale, Tegner Activity Level Scale, and Multi-dimensional Health Locus of Control. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) tested a-priori two-factor structure and model fit. Cronbach-alpha, intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), and absolute reliability (Bland-Altman plots) were calculated. Construct validity was assessed by eight pre-defined hypotheses. A sub-group of participants (n = 42) completed the K-SES twice to assess intra-rater reliability. RESULTS: The cross-cultural adaptation generated an English K-SES with face and content validity. The original two-factor structure was rejected based on CFA and a revised solution informed by Exploratory Factor analysis resulted in an adequate fit. All construct validity hypotheses were confirmed. The K-SES showed good internal consistency [Factor (F1: α = 0.96; F2: α = 0.73)], intra-rater reliability (ICC = 0.92), and no systematic bias between repeated measurements. CONCLUSION: The English K-SES is a valid and reliable measure for knee-specific self-efficacy in individuals who have sustained a sport-related intra-articular knee injury in the previous 5 years. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Effects of tailored advice on injury prevention knowledge and behaviours in runners: Secondary analysis from a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether biweekly tailored advice was more effective than general advice at baseline alone for enhancing evidence-based running-related injury (RRI) prevention knowledge and behaviours in runners. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial, blinded statistical analysis, secondary analysis. SETTING: Recreational running clinics. PARTICIPANTS: Running clinics were cluster randomised into intervention or control groups. All participants (n = 51) received general RRI prevention advice (baseline), after which the intervention group (n = 31) received additional biweekly tailored advice (weeks 3-11), before all participants completed a Final Questionnaire (week 13). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Between-group differences in change of evidence-based RRI prevention knowledge and behaviours. RESULTS: Compared to baseline, the number of correct knowledge responses significantly increased in the intervention group (5.77, 95% CI 4.73, 6.81) and remained unchanged in controls (0.25, 95% CI -1.04, 1.55), outlining a positive effect only in the intervention group (p = 2.06 × 10-8). The number of correct behaviour responses significantly increased in the intervention group (1.94, 95% CI 0.94, 2.93) however this increase was not significantly greater than controls (p = 0.075). CONCLUSIONS: Biweekly tailored advice improved RRI prevention knowledge in runners. Further research into the impact of knowledge and behavioural change on RRI occurrence is warranted. ISRCTN 17357362.

Accuracy of Fitbit Devices: Systematic Review and Narrative Syntheses of Quantitative Data.

BACKGROUND: Although designed as a consumer product to help motivate individuals to be physically active, Fitbit activity trackers are becoming increasingly popular as measurement tools in physical activity and health promotion research and are also commonly used to inform health care decisions. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to systematically evaluate and report measurement accuracy for Fitbit activity trackers in controlled and free-living settings. METHODS: We conducted electronic searches using PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases with a supplementary Google Scholar search. We considered original research published in English comparing Fitbit versus a reference- or research-standard criterion in healthy adults and those living with any health condition or disability. We assessed risk of bias using a modification of the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Status Measurement Instruments. We explored measurement accuracy for steps, energy expenditure, sleep, time in activity, and distance using group percentage differences as the common rubric for error comparisons. We conducted descriptive analyses for frequency of accuracy comparisons within a ±3% error in controlled and ±10% error in free-living settings and assessed for potential bias of over- or underestimation. We secondarily explored how variations in body placement, ambulation speed, or type of activity influenced accuracy. RESULTS: We included 67 studies. Consistent evidence indicated that Fitbit devices were likely to meet acceptable accuracy for step count approximately half the time, with a tendency to underestimate steps in controlled testing and overestimate steps in free-living settings. Findings also suggested a greater tendency to provide accurate measures for steps during normal or self-paced walking with torso placement, during jogging with wrist placement, and during slow or very slow walking with ankle placement in adults with no mobility limitations. Consistent evidence indicated that Fitbit devices were unlikely to provide accurate measures for energy expenditure in any testing condition. Evidence from a few studies also suggested that, compared with research-grade accelerometers, Fitbit devices may provide similar measures for time in bed and time sleeping, while likely markedly overestimating time spent in higher-intensity activities and underestimating distance during faster-paced ambulation. However, further accuracy studies are warranted. Our point estimations for mean or median percentage error gave equal weighting to all accuracy comparisons, possibly misrepresenting the true point estimate for measurement bias for some of the testing conditions we examined. CONCLUSIONS: Other than for measures of steps in adults with no limitations in mobility, discretion should be used when considering the use of Fitbit devices as an outcome measurement tool in research or to inform health care decisions, as there are seemingly a limited number of situations where the device is likely to provide accurate measurement.

A qualitative investigation of the attitudes and beliefs about physical activity and post-traumatic osteoarthritis in young adults 3-10 years after an intra-articular knee injury.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the influence of the injury experience on current attitudes and beliefs about physical activity (PA) and the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) in youth and young adults 3-10 years after a sport-related knee injury. DESIGN: Qualitative study. SETTING: University Sports Medical/Research Center. PARTICIPANTS: 20 young adults 3-10 years subsequent to intra-articular knee injury. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Semi-structured interviews were conducted and transcribed verbatim. Analysis used a constant comparative approach with conceptual labels and categories, axial coding, and selective coding to reveal main themes. RESULTS: The four main themes were: acceptance; resiliency and determination; knee confidence; and athletic identity. Participants accepted the impact of the injury on their sporting ability and future PTOA to varying degrees. Participants were often highly motivated to recover and met the injury with resilience. Knee confidence was a major concern. Most participants' athletic identity had evolved; impacted both by life and injury experiences. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insight into the knee injury experience and resultant attitudes and beliefs regarding PA and PTOA in adolescents. Physiotherapists may assist in secondary prevention of PTOA by promoting PA, addressing knee confidence, and educating about long-term joint health.