Improving the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis in low-income country, a proof of concept in Burundi (R-13396)

Osteoarthritis is a common condition affecting weight bearing joints, especially hip and knee joints, leading to disability and decreased quality of life, with a prevalence increasing progressively with age. About 20% of people aged 60 years and above report moderate to severe knee or hip pain and disability, and either would be considered in need of joint replacement. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a contextually-adapted physical exercise programs on pain and disability levels in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis in Burundi. This doctoral project involves five studies, the first two to summarize current evidence supporting supervisedexercises and the use of mHealth for the management of OA respectively. Then we will perform two studies to evaluate the impact of OA on functions, pain, participation and activities of daily living using questionnaires and accelerometers. Finally, once we will have a clear view of the implications of AO on the functions of these patients, we will run a randomized controlled trial to study the effects of supervised exercises versus home app-based rehabilitation on pain and disability in patients with hip and/or knee OA in Burundi.

Keywords:Osteoarthritis

Disciplines:Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation

Project type:Collaboration project