This completed study evaluated the effects of a six-week neuromuscular exercise programme on movement control in individuals with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis (OA). The trial also assessed the feasibility of conducting a future definitive randomised controlled trial. A total of 90 participants with symptomatic hip or knee OA were recruited from NHS outpatient physiotherapy clinics and cluster-randomised to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received a structured neuromuscular exercise programme based on the GLA:D® approach, delivered once weekly for six weeks. The control group received usual care, including general physiotherapy advice and standard exercises. The primary outcome was change in movement control, assessed using the Short Hip and Lower Limb Movement Screen (Short-HLLMS) at baseline and six weeks. Secondary outcomes included joint-specific function measured by KOOS-12 and HOOS-12 questionnaires, and pain intensity assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Feasibility measures included recruitment rate, participant adherence, and study retention. The study was completed successfully and demonstrated that neuromuscular exercise may improve short-term movement control and functional outcomes in individuals with OA. Feasibility outcomes supported the acceptability of the intervention and the procedures for conducting a future large-scale trial.
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Change in movement control measured by the Short Hip and Lower Limb Movement Screen (Short-HLLMS)
Timeframe: Baseline (pre-intervention) and at 6 weeks (post-intervention)