Evaluation of the Portuguese version of the PEAK course (PHYSIOTHERAPY EXERCISE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS) and its implementation in Brazil

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a progressive chronic disease with the presence of pain, edema and joint stiffness, negatively affecting the functionality and quality of life of individuals, with important consequences for the socioeconomic system and health system of the country. Patient education, physical exercise and control of body weight constitute the primary approach to the treatment of the disease and are strongly recommended by scientific societies and international consensus in the area. However, the vast majority of these individuals do not have access to this adequate intervention, even though it is an effective and low-cost approach. Strategies through public policies to expand the dissemination and access to patients have been successfully implemented in some countries. In Portuguese, we do not yet have similar projects that allow us to meet and improve the well-being of individuals with OAJ with this appropriate approach.Objective: To translate and make available the physiotherapy exercise and physical activity for knee osteoarthritis (PEAK) course in Portuguese, also implement and monitor its use in the public and private health sectors of Brazil.Methods: This is a cross-sectional, longitudinal, almost-experimental and qualitative research. Initially, distance training will be carried out by physical therapists, who will be responsible for performing an education process about the disease, exercise and physical activities for individuals with OAJ. Individuals who want to qualify in the PEAK course will be recruited. It will evaluate the reach, effectiveness, adoption of the PEAK course, perceptions of individuals with OAJ and professionals who took the course,and barriers and facilitators for implementation in physical therapists' clinical practice. Also, it will collect clinical outcomes of individuals with OAJ, that will be treated by trained professionals. Descriptive analysis of data collected for physical therapist characterization and answers achieved by the questionnaire. When the variables are numerical, measures of central distribution and of dispersion mean and standard deviation - will be used. For analysis of the effect of the exercise program, a one-way ANOVA will be performed if a normal distribution of data or the Friedman test (non-normal distribution) occurs. It will be done the analyze of the interaction time-group and intra-group differences for all variables. For qualitative data, content analysis will be used.