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Objectives To adapt the Back Beliefs Questionnaire (BBQ) to measure illness beliefs in people with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, and to measure the psychometric properties of this new 'Hip and Knee Beliefs Questionnaire' (HKBQ) together with the 'Exercise Attitude Questionnaire-18' (EAQ-18), which measures exercise-related treatment beliefs. Method Cognitive debriefing through semi-structured interviews was used to assess the face validity of the HKBQ and the EAQ-18. Both questionnaires were tested on people with hip or knee osteoarthritis enrolled into a phase II randomized controlled trial examining the effectiveness of an evidence-based booklet in changing illness and treatment beliefs. Items in these outcome measures were accepted if they fulfilled a series of psychometric criteria including response frequency, item-total correlation, and factor analysis. The final questionnaires were tested for reliability, responsiveness, criterion, and construct validity. Results No items were discarded from either of the final questionnaires, although one item in the EAQ-18 was borderline. Both questionnaires showed evidence of internal consistency, test-retest reliability, face validity, and criterion validity; there was less evidence for construct validity. The responsiveness of the HKBQ showed a medium-sized change; the EAQ-18 a small change. Conclusion Both these outcome measures can be used in future trials and other studies which measure change in illness and exercise beliefs in people with osteoarthritis of the hip or the knee. Further testing of validity and responsiveness using interventions with larger effect sizes should be performed. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN24554946. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The pain and disability of hip and knee osteoarthritis can be improved by exercise, but the best method of encouraging this is not known. Aim To develop an evidence-based booklet for patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis, offering information and advice on maintaining activity. Design of study Systematic review of reviews and guidelines, then focus groups. Setting Four general practices in North East Wales. Method Evidence-based messages were developed from a systematic review, synthesised into patient-centred messages, and then incorporated into a narrative. A draft booklet was examined by three focus groups to improve the phrasing of its messages and discuss its usefulness. The final draft was examined in a fourth focus group. Results Six evidence-based guidelines and 54 systematic reviews were identified. The focus groups found the draft booklet to be informative and easy to read. They reported a lack of clarity about the cause of osteoarthritis and were surprised that the pain could improve. The value of exercise and weight loss beliefs was accepted and reinforced; but there was a perceived contradiction about heavy physical work being causative, while moderate exercise was beneficial. There was a fear of dependency on analgesia and misinterpretation of the message on hyaiuranon injections. The information on joint replacement empowered patients to discuss referral with their GP. The text was revised to accommodate these issues. Conclusion The booklet was readable, credible, and useful to end-users. A randomised controlled trial is planned, to test whether the booklet influences beliefs about osteoarthdtis and exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses on adapting exercise therapy to individual need in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. He states that effects of concurrent disease should be considered during management of patients with Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip or knee. He discusses on the restrictions to exercise therapy according to the International Classification of Functioning (ICF). He opines that the challenge will be to match ICF classification to flexible exercise protocol as per patient needs.

The article reflects on the appropriate treatment dealing with individuals diagnosed with osteoarthritis. It indicates the recommendation for physical activity which has been considered effective in reducing pain and disability in hip and knee osteoarthritis. Meanwhile, the author introduces "The Hip and Knee Book: helping you cope with osteoarthritis," which encourages patients to lose weight if overweight, and use simple analgesia and anti-inflammatory gels.