1. Managing Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Evaluating the OA Knee Class:
A 6 week programme of education and exercise
Sam Dawson MSc BSc MSCP
Senior Physiotherapist Wrexham Maelor Hospital

2. What is the problem
4.71 million in the UK sought treatment for OA Knee
2.36 million ‘working age’ people have sought treatment for OA Knee
Becoming more problematic
4.7 million in 2010, to 5.4 million in 2020, reaching 6.4 million by 2035
Including obesity impact million in 2010, to 6.5 million by 2020, reaching 8.3 million by 2035
A recent study shows that of people with or at risk of Osteoarthritis only 13% meet physical activity guidelines with 45% rated as inactive
Secondary to population growth and aging of the population this is expected to rise

3. What does the current evidence say? (NICE 2014)
Informing and educating patients to enhance self management
Increasing activity and exercise including local muscle strengthening and general aerobic fitness
Interventions to achieve weight loss in those classified as overweight or obese

4. What is the OA Knee Class?
6 week self management programme
Patients with diagnosed OA Knee
Exercise (45mins) and education (15mins)
With an exit strategy/aim of continued exercise or self management
Education sessions covered include:
What is Osteoarthritis of the Knee?
Pacing Activity
Diet and Weight Management
Managing and Coping with Flare ups
Pain Management
Exercise and the Exercise Referral Scheme

5. Description of the Study
Physiotherapy Department at Wrexham Maelor Hospital
Data collected in 2013/ patients
6 week programme consisting of an individualised exercise programme and education sessions
Outcome measure (Oxford Knee score) and satisfaction survey – baseline, after completion of programme

6. Patient Satisfaction Results
97% of patients felt more able to cope with their knee pain after attending
87% of patients rated the service as excellent with the other 13% rating it as good
100% of patients felt that the clinicians treating them knew enough about their condition
58/60 patients = 97%

7. Patient Comments
“The team were friendly and approachable, exercises chosen really helped me ease the pain”
“They helped me control my pain, helped me understand what the problem was and how to help myself”
“The physio’s were excellent, targeting exercises to your activity level and encouraging you to progress steadily, it is an excellent and worthwhile service”

8. Oxford Knee Score The Oxford Knee Score
0 (indicating severe problems with arthritis)
48 (indicating no problems with arthritis)
The average score on attendance was 24 and on discharge was 30.
This indicates an average change of 6 points which is a clinically significant change
especially in a relatively short period of time!
Average score AFTER attending OA Knee Class
Average score BEFORE attending OA Knee Class

9. Future Proposals Results indicate: Development of Course
Reduced demand on orthopaedics
Reduced demand on physiotherapy services
Reduced demand on primary care services
Reduced health care costs
Improved general health and well being
Development of Course
Development of education talks in line with current evidence
Involvement of wider MDT to deliver specific talks
Inclusion of Injection