Can individualization of a digital osteoarthritis program help more patients?

Today, many people with knee osteoarthritis benefit from a digital osteoarthritis program. However, care is not effective for everyone. This project aims to explore osteoarthritis patients’ different perceptions of physical activity, and then translate these insights into a tailored treatment.

What we will do

We will start with an interview study to map patients’ perceptions of physical activity. Next, we will examine how those perceptions relate to activity patterns, actual activity levels, and treatment outcomes in the current digital osteoarthritis school. Finally, in close collaboration with users and healthcare professionals, we will develop an individualized version of the program, designing content, exercises, and feedback around each participant’s specific goals and circumstances.

Objectives

• Identify key perceptions of physical activity among knee osteoarthritis patients enrolled in a digital osteoarthritis school.
• Clarify how these perceptions and associated activity patterns influence daily function and treatment outcomes.
• Co-create, with patients and healthcare professionals, an osteoarthritis school tailored to participants’ needs and preferences.

Partners

Joint Academy and the Swedish Rheumatism Association

Why is this important?

Knee osteoarthritis is a growing global challenge, with prevalence projected to rise by nearly 75% by 2050. Digital osteoarthritis schools have demonstrated efficacy but do not reach all patients. By individualizing content based on perceptions of physical activity and personal circumstances, we believe more participants can achieve their rehabilitation goals and enjoy a better quality of life.