Randomised controlled trial of the cost-effectiveness of water-based therapy for lower limb osteoarthritis

ISRCTN ISRCTN36824298
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN36824298
Secondary identifying numbers HTA 96/32/99
Submission date
25/04/2003
Registration date
25/04/2003
Last edited
08/11/2022
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Musculoskeletal Diseases
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data

Plain English summary of protocol

Not provided at time of registration

Contact information

Prof Tom Cochrane
Scientific

Sport Health & Exercise
University of Staffordshire
Leek Road
Stafford
ST4 2DF
United Kingdom

Phone +44 (0)1782 295 855
Email t.cochrane@staffs.ac.uk

Study information

Study designRandomised controlled trial
Primary study designInterventional
Secondary study designRandomised controlled trial
Study setting(s)Not specified
Study typeNot Specified
Scientific titleRandomised controlled trial of the cost-effectiveness of water-based therapy for lower limb osteoarthritis
Study acronymROAR
Study objectivesHydrotherapy is believed to be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis (OA). Many physiotherapy centres have specialise hydrotherapy pools but, most remain under utilised because they are not cost-effective to run. Thus a valued service is unrealised on cost grounds. In recent years, aqua- aerobics has become a popular mode of exercise and is used by many people who suffer from "joint" problems. Despite this growth in popularity, neither the efficacy nor the cost-effectiveness of community-based water therapy in the rehabilitation of OA has been evaluated in a well-designed trial. The potential value of this form of treatment to the NHS, therefore, remains unknown.

A randomised controlled trial is proposed, to determine:
1. The efficacy of water exercise in the treatment of OA of the lower limb
2. The cost-effectiveness of such an approach
3. The longer term implications of such intervention

Stages 2. and 3. will be contingent on the outcome of stage 1.
Ethics approval(s)Not provided at time of registration.
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studiedMusculoskeletal diseases: Arthritis (osteo)
Intervention1. Hydrotherapy
2. Standard care
Intervention typeOther
Primary outcome measurePain score on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA index (WOMAC).
Secondary outcome measuresAdditional outcome measures were included to evaluate effects on quality of life, cost-effectiveness and physical function measurements.
Overall study start date01/04/2000
Completion date30/09/2003

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Patient
Age groupSenior
SexBoth
Target number of participants106
Key inclusion criteriaPatients suffering lower limb osteoarthritis
Key exclusion criteriaNot provided at time of registration.
Date of first enrolment01/04/2000
Date of final enrolment30/09/2003

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • England
  • United Kingdom

Study participating centre

Sport Health & Exercise
Stafford
ST4 2DF
United Kingdom

Sponsor information

Department of Health (UK)
Government

Quarry House
Quarry Hill
Leeds
LS2 7UE
United Kingdom

Phone +44 (0)1132 545 843
Email Sheila.Greener@doh.gsi.gov.uk
Website http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/index.htm
ROR logo "ROR" https://ror.org/03sbpja79

Funders

Funder type

Government

NIHR Health Technology Assessment Programme - HTA (UK)

No information available

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareNo
IPD sharing plan summaryNot provided at time of registration
Publication and dissemination planNot provided at time of registration
IPD sharing planNot provided at time of registration

Study outputs

Output type Details Date created Date added Peer reviewed? Patient-facing?
Results article HTA monograph 01/08/2005 Yes No

Editorial Notes

08/11/2022: Internal review.