FitJoints: Getting Fit for Hip and Knee Replacement

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

FitJoints Multi-modal Intervention: Exercise: The study physiotherapist will prescribe an exercise program tailored to the participant's individual ability and preference with functional movements to mimic activities of daily living. Nutritional consultation and protein supplement: The site research assistant will coach participants to improve their nutrition, determine their daily protein target, and provide educational tools on how to achieve their target. Protein supplements will be provided to participants. Vitamin D: Participants will be provided with vitamin D3 (1000 IU) tablets to reduce the risk of falls and to preserve muscle strength and functional ability. They will be instructed to take one tablet daily for the duration of the intervention period. Medication optimization: The study pharmacist will conduct a medication review and provide, if required, recommendations for medication optimization.

Study summary

Total hip or knee replacement is an important and cost-effective surgical intervention to relieve pain and improve independence and function in patients with osteoarthritis. The number of people waiting for elective surgeries has spiked in the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to COVID-19, up to 40% of patients receiving joint replacement were frail and this number is rapidly increasing with longer wait-times and deconditioning associated with COVID-19 physical distancing. There is an urgent need to be responsive to the evolving challenges of healthcare. The proposed study is the first multi-site randomized controlled trial (RCT) to examine whether a multimodal frailty reduction intervention before surgery will improve postsurgical outcomes for this population. The COVID-19 adapted hybrid model includes a multimodal frailty intervention that may be implemented either in person or virtually and is aligned with international consensus guidelines on frailty reduction.

To utilize the FitJoints multimodal frailty intervention to build resilience of patients undergoing joint replacement surgery to improve post-operative outcomes. The investigators hypothesize the FitJoints multimodal frailty intervention, with exercise, nutrition and medication optimization, will reduce frailty and pain while improving function and quality of life.

Building upon the success of the FitJoints feasibility study (n=69) in Hamilton, Ontario, in the proposed multi-site RCT (n=192), older adults (≥60 years) undergoing hip or knee joint replacement surgery who are frail will be randomized to either the 3 to 6-months of multimodal intervention or usual care until the date of their surgery at multiple sites (Hamilton Health Sciences \& St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, ON; London Health Science Centre, London, ON; Foothills Hospital, Calgary, AB),The FitJoints evidence-based, multimodal intervention includes a hybrid model that can be implemented either in person or virtually:

1. Physiotherapist supported multi-component exercise program
2. Nutrition and protein optimization including dietary counseling
3. Medication review with prescribing recommendations

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Between-group Difference in Physical Performance — 3-months post-operative
  Assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), which consists of the following sub-components: * 4-meter walk test (walking speed): measured in seconds, scored 0 to 4 * Chair rise: the ability to rise from a chair without arms: measured in seconds, scored 0 to 4 * Standing balance test: measured in seconds, scored 0 to 4 Sub-component scores will be aggregated to produce an overall SPPB score, with higher scores indicating lower level of frailty \[range 0-12\].

Trial sites (4)

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