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.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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
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Locations
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Arthritis Research Canada
Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Y 3P2, Canada
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Arthritis Research Canada
Vancouver, British Columbia, V6X 2C7, Canada