The effect of action and coping plans on exercise adherence in people with lower limb osteoarthritis: A feasibility study

Abstract

The known benefits of exercise for lower limb osteoarthritis are limited by poor patient adherence to them. Action and coping plans do enhance treatment adherence. This feasibility study investigated the effects of action and coping plans on adherence, self-efficacy and functional performance in people with lower limb osteoarthritis; and tested the study protocol for a larger study. Twenty seven people with hip or knee osteoarthritis were randomly allocated to the exercise plus action and coping plans (intervention) group (n = 17) or exercise only (control) group (n = 10). Participants undertook a 12 week gym based exercise programme along with a home exercise programme. Exercise self-efficacy and physical function were measured pre- and post-study, and exercise adherence throughout. Data were analysed statistically. There were no significant differences between the two groups’ adherence rates, and one significant difference between the two groups’ self-efficacy scores. The intervention group improved significantly in four of the five physical measures, whereas the control group significantly improved on only one measure. Action and coping plans appear to have had a beneficial effect on physical function, limited effect on self-efficacy and no effect on exercise adherence. A larger study is required to ascertain the true merit of action and coping plans.