About
The primary aim of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of a web-based system, Physitrack, to usual physiotherapy treatment improved patient adherence levels to exercises compared to the usual non web-based methods physiotherapists use to deliver exercise programs to people with musculoskeletal conditions. Exercise is an integral component of the conservative management of most musculoskeletal conditions; however, adherence to exercises is often low and this impacts on treatment effectiveness.
Status of project: completed

Researchers involved in this study included Prof Kim Bennell, Prof Rana Hinman, Dr Fiona Dobson, and Charlotte Marshall at the University of Melbourne with collaborators at Australian Catholic University. The study was funded by Physitrack.
See our other research summaries
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Internet-mediated physiotherapy and pain coping skills training for persistent knee pain (IMPACT)
This randomised controlled trial investigated the effects of a pain coping skills training with physiotherapy-guided home exercise, delivered via the internet, on knee osteoarthritis symptoms.
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platelet-Rich plasma as a symptom- and disEaSe-modifying Treatment fOR knee ostEoarthritis (RESTORE)
This randomised controlled trial aimed to find out whether a series of three PRP injections into the knee joint was effective in reducing pain and slowing loss of cartilage
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Better Knee Better Me
This randomised controlled trial compared remotely-delivered interventions targeting exercise and self-management, exercise and active weight management, or information-only for people with knee osteoarthritis and overweight.
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Telephone-delivered support and advice for people with knee osteoarthritis (TELECARE)
This randomised controlled trial compared two different forms of telephone delivered support and advice for people with painful knee osteoarthritis
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Behaviour change SMS program for knee osteoarthritis (ADHERE)
This randomised controlled trial compared the effectiveness of a 24-week behaviour change SMS program to no SMS for patients with knee osteoarthritis and obesity.
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Exercise for knee osteoarthritis targeting high risk physical characteristics (TARGET)
This randomised controlled trial aims to compare two types of home exercise programs for people with knee osteoarthritis and obesity.
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Footwear for self-managing knee osteoarthritis symptoms (FOOTSTEP)
This randomised controlled trial compared the effects of two different types of shoes on knee osteoarthritis symptoms.
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Arthroscopic Surgery for Hip Impingement versus Best CoNservative Care (FASHIoN)
This randomised controlled trial aims to compare the clinical and cost effectiveness of hip arthroscopy with Personalised Hip Therapy for patients with symptomatic FAI up to 12 months after treatment.
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Impact of Cane Use in people with medial knee osteoArthritis (CUBA)
This randomised controlled trial evaluated the effects of daily cane use on knee osteoarthritis symptoms.
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Modified SHoes for osteoARthritis of the Knee (SHARK)
This randomised controlled trial tested the efficacy of “modified” shoes for reducing symptoms and improving physical function in people with knee osteoarthritis
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LatErAl hiP pain (LEAP)
This randomised controlled trial compared the effects of three possible approaches to treating long standing lateral hip pain
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Insoles for Big Toe Osteoarthritis (FORT)
This randomised controlled trial is comparing the effects of insoles on big toe osteoarthritis symptoms.
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Internet-based pain coping skills training added to education and exercise program for persistent hip pain (HOPE)
This randomised controlled trial investigated the effects of adding an internet-based pain coping skills training to a standardised education and exercise program for people with persistent hip pain
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Influence of athletic footwear on lower limb biomechanics of pubertal girls
This randomised controlled trial aimed to determine whether athletic footwear with appropriate design features can help improve neuromuscular control and reduce forces on the knee and lower limb of pubertal girls
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Optimising primary care management of knee osteoarthritis (PARTNER)
This randomised controlled trial evaluated a model of care for primary care management that supports both General Practitioners and patients to uptake knee osteoarthritis clinical guideline recommendations
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Patient AdhereNce To Home Exercise pRograms (PANTHER)
This randomised controlled trial evaluated whether the addition of a web-based system, Physitrack, to usual physiotherapy treatment improves patient adherence to exercise compared to the usual non web-based methods.
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Assessment of Beliefs and Clinical practice for Foot Osteoarthritis (ABC-Foot)
This study aimed to describe podiatrists' and physiotherapists' current management of people with foot osteoarthritis within Australia and the United Kingdom.
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Hip Osteoarthritis Pain Exacerbation risk factors (iHOAP)
This study is designed to identify risk factors of hip pain and assess their magnitude of effect in those with hip osteoarthritis.
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Knee bracing and footwear for medial knee arthritis
This study evaluated the effects of a knee brace and different types of shoes on knee osteoarthritis symptoms.
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Telehealth by physiotherapists in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic
This study aimed to gather information to help in decision making around future funding of telehealth services by physiotherapists once the pandemic has ended.
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Treatment of foot pain and osteoarthritis
The study evaluated different treatments for foot osteoarthritis