RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

FitJoints: Getting Fit for Hip and Knee Replacement

The FitJoints study aims to help people who are waiting for hip or knee replacement surgery. Many people are frail before surgery, especially with longer waiting times. This study tests a special program designed to make people stronger and healthier before their operation. The program includes guided exercise, advice on eating well, and a review of their medications. Researchers want to see if this preparation helps patients recover better, feel less pain, and improve their overall ability to move and enjoy life after surgery. This is a very important study because it's the first large one of its kind, and it could help many people have better outcomes after their joint replacement.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

McMaster University

Enrolment target

192

Start

14 Jun 2022

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2026

Hip Osteoarthritis Knee Osteoarthritis

What is this study about?

Hip and knee replacement operations are very common. They are designed to relieve pain and help people move better when their joints are badly affected by conditions like osteoarthritis. Currently, many people in the UK are waiting for these important surgeries, and unfortunately, long waits can sometimes mean people become less fit or strong before their operation.

This study, called "FitJoints," is looking into a special program designed to help patients become stronger and healthier while they wait for their hip or knee replacement. The main idea is that by improving a patient's overall health before surgery, they might recover more quickly, have less pain, and get back to their normal activities sooner after the operation. This program provides support with exercise, nutrition, and reviewing medications.

The FitJoints program is based on the idea that preparing your body for surgery, much like you'd train for an important event, can make a real difference to how well you do afterwards. Researchers want to find out if this support can reduce problems related to being a bit frail before surgery and ultimately improve how people feel and function after their new joint is put in. It's an important step towards making sure patients get the best possible results from their surgery.

Key takeaways

This study helps people waiting for hip or knee replacement operations.
It tests if special preparation before surgery improves recovery.
The program includes exercise, healthy eating advice, and medication checks.
Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.
You might receive the special program or continue with your usual care.

Who may be eligible?

To join the FitJoints study, you would need to be 60 years old or older and waiting for your first hip or knee replacement on one side of your body. Your doctor or the study team would also check if you are considered 'pre-frail' or 'frail,' which simply means you might be a bit weaker or less fit than ideal for your age, something the study aims to improve.

You would also need to have an estimated waiting time for your surgery of at least 4 months, but not more than 15 months. The study wants to make sure there's enough time for you to take part in the special preparation program before your operation.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. These include if you have serious kidney problems, certain nerve or muscle conditions, active cancer, or inflammatory arthritis (like rheumatoid arthritis). You also need to be able to speak and understand English, or have a caregiver who can translate for you, so you can fully participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 60 years old or older?
Are you waiting for a first hip or knee replacement on one side?
Is your surgery estimated to be 4 to 15 months away?
Do you not have active cancer or specific kidney/nerve conditions?
Can you speak and understand English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in the FitJoints study, you would be randomly assigned to either receive the special FitJoints program or to continue with your usual care. The FitJoints program lasts for 3 to 6 months leading up to your surgery. It involves a guided exercise program with support from a physiotherapist, advice on healthy eating and making sure you get enough protein, and a review of your medications to ensure they are helping you as much as possible.

This program can be delivered in two ways: either in person at a clinic or virtually from your home, depending on what works best and what's available. The study team will check in with you regularly to see how you're doing, measure your progress, and assess things like your pain levels, how well you can move, and your quality of life. All of these check-ups help the researchers understand if the FitJoints program is making a positive difference. You won't be given any new medications that aren't already available.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a study like FitJoints could offer several potential benefits. If you are in the FitJoints program group, you might become stronger and healthier before your surgery, which could lead to a better recovery, less pain, and improved movement afterwards. However, there are also some potential risks, such as mild muscle soreness from exercise. Your safety is very important, and the study team will be there to support you. Remember, joining this study is entirely your choice, and you have the right to withdraw at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your routine medical care.

Locations (4)

Foothill Medical Centre - Alberta Health Services
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada· Not yet recruiting
Juravinski Hospital - Hamilton Health Sciences
Verified postcode
Hamilton, Canada· Recruiting
St. Joseph's Healthcare
Verified postcode
Hamilton, Canada· Not yet recruiting
University Hospital - London Health Sciences Centre
Verified postcode
London, Canada· Not yet recruiting

Common questions

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition where the smooth cartilage covering the ends of bones wears down, causing pain, stiffness, and sometimes swelling.

What does 'frail' mean in this study?

In this study, 'frail' or 'pre-frail' means you might be slightly weaker or less fit than average for your age, which could affect your recovery from surgery. The study aims to help improve this.

Will I definitely get the special FitJoints program?

Not necessarily. Participants are randomly put into two groups: one gets the FitJoints program, and the other gets usual care. This helps researchers compare the two approaches fairly.

How long will I be in the study?

If you're in the FitJoints program group, the program itself will run for 3 to 6 months before your surgery. You will also have follow-up assessments after your surgery to see how you are doing.

What if my surgery gets scheduled sooner or later than expected?

The study looks for people with an estimated waiting time of 4 to 15 months. If your surgery date changes significantly, you should discuss this with the study team.

How to find out more

Alexandra Papaioannou, MD, MSc

papaioannou@hhsc.ca (905) 521-2100 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.