Internet-Based Exercise Therapy for Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Given the increasing prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (OA), a convenient approach to prescribing exercise therapy would be welcome. In this trial, researchers randomized 146 adults (mean age, 68) with radiographically documented knee OA to a Web-based, interactive program or to a “usual-advice” control group. The Internet-based program involved customized exercise instruction that focused on sit-to-stand strengthening and balance, with feedback from patients that led to modifications in program intensity. The program is commercially available, but the company had no role in the study design or analysis. Control patients received guideline-concordant general exercise advice from their primary clinician or physical therapist but no in-person…