Swimming pools may ease knee replacement wait: new study tests community program

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: Aged 18 years or over. Registered on a wait list for primary total knee replacement with sufficient time to complete the 6 week intervention and follow up assessments prior to surgery. Moderate self reported intensity knee joint pain within the previous month, defined as ≥4 but \<10 on the 11 point Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS: 0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain imaginable). Willing and able to participate in a six week programme of weekly group water-based exercise at specified leisure centre swimming pools in Southwark and three times weekly land-based exercise training in a private setting. Willing to pay £4.30 for water-based exercise sessions 5 \& 6. This fee is in line with the usual cost of over 60s group exercise classes at local leisure centres. Access to a smart phone or tablet computer with internet access. Willing and able to accept either trial arm allocation. Willing and able to give informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: Individuals scheduled to have another major joint replacement (e.g. contralateral knee, hip or shoulder) within the study period. Individuals on the waiting list for revision surgery of a previous knee replacement. Individuals with active inflammatory arthritis (e.g., RA, PsA, lupus, axial SpA) that is clinically symptomatic or requires ongoing immunosuppressive therapy to control disease activity. Individuals who self-report being advised by a healthcare professional not to exercise. Individuals who have previously participated in water-based exercise sessions delivered via the Good Boost HUB application. Participating or planning to participate in another interventional clinical study/trial during the study period that in the opinion of the investigator could affect the outcomes of this study. Individuals unable to understand written or spoken English or communicate sufficiently well in English to participate despite assistance from a family member or friend. Individuals unable to comply with the protocol / requirements of study participation. Individuals with any other severe concomitant disease that, in the opinion of the investigator might interfere with trial procedures and/or assessments.