Feasibility of Personalized Exercise Programs for Adults Over 80 with Osteoarthritis

A recent study conducted by the University of Oxford has demonstrated that customized exercise programs are both practical and well-received among individuals aged 80 and above suffering from hip and/or knee osteoarthritis alongside other chronic health conditions. This pivotal research paves the way for larger clinical trials aimed at improving mobility and quality of life in the elderly.

The investigation, titled the TEMPO (Tailored Exercise Management for People aged 80 years or older with hip/knee Osteoarthritis and comorbidities) trial, assessed whether a tailored physical activity intervention could be effectively delivered in outpatient settings and whether sufficient participant recruitment and retention could be achieved. Published in BMJ Open, the study explored the feasibility of conducting a full-scale trial by engaging participants over a 12-week period.

Despite traditional research gaps and underrepresentation in clinical studies, older adults, especially those beyond 80, face significant barriers to exercise referral and participation. Dr. Pip Nicolson, a researcher at NDORMS, highlighted that this age group boasts diverse abilities and health profiles, often juggling multiple long-term conditions. She emphasized that current exercise guidelines are predominantly based on studies involving younger seniors aged 60-65, neglecting the unique needs of the oldest populations.

The trial was carried out across four NHS outpatient physiotherapy facilities in England. Participants were randomly assigned to a personalized 12-week exercise program or to receive usual care. The program, developed during Dr. Nicolson’s fellowship, incorporated insights from systematic reviews, interviews with older adults, and behavioral techniques to promote engagement and adherence.

Key outcomes indicated promising recruitment and retention rates: 54% of eligible individuals, with a mean age of 84, enrolled in the study, and 88% completed follow-up assessments. Over half of the intervention group attended four or more sessions, though adherence to home exercises declined with time. These findings support the potential of expanding this approach into larger trials, with opportunities to diversify recruitment and enhance program fidelity.

Dr. Nicolson is currently working to refine the intervention and recruitment strategies in collaboration with community groups and healthcare professionals, aiming to maximize impact. The TEMPO trial represents a critical step toward understanding how tailored exercise regimens can enhance independence, mobility, and overall well-being among the elderly with osteoarthritis.

For more details, refer to the full study: BMJ Open.