NCT05666167 · VA Office of Research and Development
Expanding Exercise Programming for Veterans Through Telehealth
What this study is about
The goal of this study is to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a group telehealth exercise program for Veterans with lower extremity osteoarthritis (OA).
View original scientific description
The goal of this study is to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a group telehealth exercise program for Veterans with lower extremity osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: This is a randomized pilot trial where Veterans (n=50) receive a group telehealth exercise program (3 months), followed by an exercise maintenance phase (6 months) that includes either text messaging alone or text messaging plus group telehealth exercise booster sessions. The primary outcomes for this study are feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Feasibility will be assessed through number and source of referrals, recruitment, and retention. Acceptability will be assessed through surveys and interviews for participants and providers addressing reasons for participation, satisfaction, perceived appropriateness, and overall experience containing Likert scales and both yes/no and open-ended questions. Exploratory outcomes, assessed at multiple time points during the course of the study, will measure changes in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and changes in performance measure and physical activity assessed remotely through individual telehealth sessions. Data will be collected at baseline, 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-up.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- diagnosis of symptomatic knee or hip OA
- Veterans at Eastern Colorado Healthcare System Primary Care Clinics with at least one VA visit within the past year
- physically inactive (add definition)
Exclusion criteria
- No telephone access
- hip or knee surgery or acute meniscus or anterior cruciate ligament tear in the past six months
- recent hospitalization for cardiovascular/cerebrovascular event
- serious mental health condition or behavioral issues precluding participating in group exercise
- terminal illness
- motor neuron diseases
- severely impaired hearing, vision, or speech
- non-English speaking
- current participation in another OA or exercise intervention or lifestyle change study
- other self-reported or study team/primary care physician deemed health condition that would prohibit participation in the study
- no primary care physician visit in past 12 months
- pregnant women
- insufficient internet connectivity to participate in group telehealth
Where
- Aurora, Colorado
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations