CHAIN spin class

CLEAT: A Study to Compare Physiotherapy Treatment with a Static Cycling and Education Programme to Help Improve Hip Pain

There is no known cure for osteoarthritis, and the latest National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for people with symptoms not yet severe enough for surgery recommend education and advice, exercise (including local muscle strengthening and aerobic exercise) and weight loss, if needed, and so it is important to develop these strategies further to support patients.

The purpose of the CLEAT study is to investigate whether people who receive an 8 week education and static cycling treatment (The CHAIN programme) have an improvement in their hip function and less pain than those patients who receive physiotherapy treatment as per standard care and practice within the NHS.

Cycling may be of benefit in comparison to other forms of exercise because it is a healthy form of physical activity, is a non-weight bearing activity that is considered less stressful on the body than impact or other running sports, and has been shown to improve muscle weakness.

In this study, half of the 221 recruited participants were randomised to receive standard physiotherapy treatment that was available through the NHS.  The other half of the patients received weekly group education and static cycling sessions designed to increase strength and function through physical activity.

At the start and end of treatment, we measured participants’ activity levels, pain, and quality of life. The results from two groups will then be compared. Six months after treatment we assessed whether the cycling/advice group were more likely to keep up their increased activity; and which group offered the better value for money. We are now in the process of preparing to publish our results, and will share findings once available.

More information can be found on the CLEAT website.