Fitbit and phone coaching aim to get arthritis sufferers off the couch
NCT ID NCT02585323
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a Fitbit activity tracker, a smartphone app, and phone calls with a physical therapist could help people with knee osteoarthritis become more active and sit less. Fifty-one participants were split into two groups: one received the program right away, the other after a three-month delay. The goal was to see if the combination of tracking and coaching could boost daily moderate-to-vigorous activity and cut down on sedentary time.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Fitbit Flex activity tracker, FitViz app, education session, and physiotherapist counseling
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could provide a practical, low-cost way to help people with knee arthritis become more active and reduce joint stiffness.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 51 participants. The intervention may not work for everyone, and long-term benefits are not yet proven.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for JOINT DISEASES are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Arthritis Research Canada
Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Y 3P2, Canada
-
Arthritis Research Canada
Vancouver, British Columbia, V6X 2C7, Canada
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Could a gut microbiome transplant ease axial spondyloarthritis?
- Can a Low-Carb diet ease knee pain? a study investigates racial differences
- Blocking knee blood vessels may offer new pain relief for severe osteoarthritis
- Which knee implant lasts longer? a Head-to-Head test
- Can cutting carbs curb knee pain? a diet trial puts it to the test
- Can virtual reality make knee pain therapy more engaging?