CompletedInterventional

A feasibility study of a digital self-management physiotherapy intervention for individuals with musculoskeletal pain

Joint, muscle, and back pain affect nearly 19 million people in the UK. While exercise is one of the best treatments, sticking with home routines can be tough. This trial tests an online physiotherapy programme called TRAK-MSK. Adults with ongoing joint or muscle pain will be randomly placed into one of two groups. One group carries on with their standard NHS care. The other group uses the TRAK-MSK website for four months. This includes up to five one-to-one video calls with a specialist physiotherapist, tailored exercise videos, and tools to track personal progress. Researchers want to see if the website is easy to use, acceptable to patients, and cost-effective. They will also look at whether it boosts confidence in managing pain and staying active. The results will help design better, more flexible digital physiotherapy services across the NHS.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jul 2022

Estimated completion

28 Feb 2023

Musculoskeletal pain

What is this study about?

Pain in the joints, muscles, and bones—often called musculoskeletal pain—is extremely common across the UK. Conditions like lower back pain and knee arthritis affect how we move, work, and sleep. Physiotherapy and regular gentle exercise can make a huge difference, but many people find it difficult to keep up with home exercises once their clinic appointments finish.

This study tests a new digital approach called TRAK-MSK. The programme aims to give people the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to manage their symptoms from home. It combines a user-friendly website filled with personalised exercise videos and progress trackers with remote support from trained physiotherapists. Participants can book up to five online video consultations when it suits them.

The main purpose of this study is to see if running an online physiotherapy service like this is practical and helpful for patients. Researchers want to check how many people take part, whether they stick with the digital sessions, and how much it costs to run compared to standard NHS care. If successful, this research could lead to larger trials and help provide more flexible, accessible care for people living with long-term pain.

Key takeaways

Tests an online physiotherapy website and video appointments for long-term joint or back pain.
Open to adults with activity-related muscle or joint pain lasting more than three months.
Participants are randomly assigned to either the TRAK-MSK programme or standard NHS care.
The programme includes up to five remote video sessions with a specialist physiotherapist over four months.
Taking part takes around six months in total and is entirely home-based online.

Who may be eligible?

This trial is open to adults aged 18 and older who have ongoing pain in their back, legs, or arms that gets worse with movement. To be considered, your pain should have lasted for more than three months and been present on most days over the past month. If your joints feel stiff in the morning, that stiffness should either be absent or ease within 30 minutes.

You cannot join this study if a medical professional has advised you not to exercise, or if your pain is linked to cancer, broken bones, or inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. People who have had surgery for their joint or muscle pain in the past 12 months are also unable to take part.

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.

I am aged 18 or over.
I have pain in my back, legs, or arms linked to physical activity.
My pain has lasted for more than 3 months and happens on most days.
Any morning joint stiffness lasts less than 30 minutes.
I have not had surgery for this pain in the past year.
A doctor has not told me to avoid physical exercise.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are interested, you will first complete an online questionnaire to confirm you are eligible. After giving consent, you will fill out a survey about your joint pain and daily activities. You will then be randomly assigned by a computer to one of two groups: one receives standard NHS care in your area, and the other receives the TRAK-MSK programme.

If you are in the TRAK-MSK group, you will use the website for four months. You can book up to five one-to-one video calls with a specialist physiotherapist at times that suit you. You will also get personalised exercise videos, challenges, and tools to log your progress. There are no new medications to take. After six months, all participants will complete another online survey to see how they are doing. Some people may also be invited to a short interview to share their thoughts about taking part. Total involvement lasts around six months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part might not improve your joint pain directly, but your feedback will help improve NHS digital care for others with long-term pain. If you receive TRAK-MSK, you may find the video exercises and physiotherapist advice helpful for staying active. The physical risks are low, though starting new exercises can sometimes cause mild muscle soreness. Some people might find talking about their pain or daily struggles slightly emotional. Your participation is completely voluntary, and you can leave the study at any time without your regular NHS care being affected.

Locations (3)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust
Unverified
Cardiff, Wales
Cwm Taf NHS Trust
Unverified
Pontypridd, Wales
Powys Health Care NHS Trust
Unverified
Brecon, Wales

Common questions

Do I need special equipment to take part?

You will need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with an internet connection and a camera so you can view the website and join video calls.

Will I have to pay for the online physiotherapy sessions?

No, all appointments, website access, and study materials are completely free of charge.

Can I choose which group I am placed in?

No. A computer randomly decides whether you receive standard NHS care or the TRAK-MSK digital programme. This ensures the trial results are fair and reliable.

What happens if my pain gets worse during the trial?

You should let the study team or your GP know. You can pause or stop exercises at any time, and you are free to seek standard medical care whenever you need it.

Do I have to travel to hospital for appointments?

No. The entire study, including surveys and physiotherapist consultations, is completed online from your home.

How to find out more

Kate Button

ButtonK@cardiff.ac.uk +44 (0)29 20 687734 Official trial record

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