Nonpharmacologic interventions are known to be effective in the treatment of chronic knee pain and osteoarthritis (OA), but the implementation of such therapies is often limited. In a trial of 148 adults with chronic knee pain and disability, patients were randomized to either a novel internet-based intervention or a control group. Both groups had access to internet-based educational material, but the intervention group also received interactive online training in pain-coping skills as well as videoconferencing sessions with a physiotherapist for home exercise. At three months, the intervention group reported improved pain and function compared with the control group, which was sustained for at least six months.
More data are needed to evaluate internet-based strategies as a practical way to deliver care for OA patients. Source: Bennell KL, Nelligan R, Dobson F, et al. Effectiveness of…
