Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open · Dec 8, 2025

Osteoarthritis physical activity care pathway: Results of an exploratory trial

By Allen KD, Huffman KF, Callahan LF et al.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct an exploratory randomized controlled trial of a physical activity intervention for individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) involving telephone-delivered coaching, activity self-monitoring, and connection with resources to support activity (Osteoarthritis Physical Activity Care Pathway; OA-PCP). METHODS: Older adults (age ≥65 years) with symptomatic hip or knee OA and comorbid health conditions (N = 240) were randomized to OA-PCP or an attention control (AC) condition. OA-PCP included coaching calls at baseline and at 3-month intervals through 12 months, as well as email-delivered content. The ACgroup received calls and emails focused on OA education. The primary outcome was minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week, measured at baseline, 6-months and 12-months via accelerometer. Secondary outcomes included other physical activity metrics and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain and function subscales. Linear mixed regression was used to estimate between-group differences from baseline to follow-up time points. RESULTS: At 6-month and 12-month follow-up, the changes in weekly MVPA favored the OA-PCP by 9.5 min (95 % Confidence Interval -6.7, 25.8; p = 0.252) and 12.3 min (95 % Confidence Interval -3.8, 28.4; p = 0.136), respectively, but differences were not statistically or clinically significant. There were no significant between-group differences in secondary outcomes other than steps per day at 12-months. CONCLUSIONS: A more intensive intervention approach may be needed to enhance physical activity among older adults with OA and comorbid health conditions.

doi.org/10.1016/j.ocarto.2025.100724 Open access PubMed 41492310 Interventions