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Randomised controlled trial of the cost-effectiveness of water-based therapy for lower limb osteoarthritis
ISRCTN ISRCTN36824298
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier
Public title Randomised controlled trial of the cost-effectiveness of water-based therapy for lower limb osteoarthritis
Scientific title
Acronym ROAR
Serial number at source HTA 96/32/99
Study hypothesis Hydrotherapy is believed to be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis (OA). Many physiotherapy centres have specialise hydrotherapy pools but, most remain under utilised because they are not cost-effective to run. Thus a valued service is unrealised on cost grounds. In recent years, aqua- aerobics has become a popular mode of exercise and is used by many people who suffer from "joint" problems. Despite this growth in popularity, neither the efficacy nor the cost-effectiveness of community-based water therapy in the rehabilitation of OA has been evaluated in a well-designed trial. The potential value of this form of treatment to the NHS, therefore, remains unknown.

A randomised controlled trial is proposed, to determine:
1. The efficacy of water exercise in the treatment of OA of the lower limb
2. The cost-effectiveness of such an approach
3. The longer term implications of such intervention

Stages 2. and 3. will be contingent on the outcome of stage 1.
Ethics approval Not provided at time of registration.
Study design Randomised controlled trial
Countries of recruitment United Kingdom
Disease/condition/study domain Musculoskeletal diseases: Arthritis (osteo)
Participants - inclusion criteria Patients suffering lower limb osteoarthritis
Participants - exclusion criteria Not provided at time of registration.
Anticipated start date 01/04/2000
Anticipated end date 30/09/2003
Status of trial Completed
Patient information material
Target number of participants 106
Interventions 1. Hydrotherapy
2. Standard care
Primary outcome measure(s) Pain score on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA index (WOMAC).
Secondary outcome measure(s) Additional outcome measures were included to evaluate effects on quality of life, cost-effectiveness and physical function measurements.
Sources of funding NIHR Health Technology Assessment Programme - HTA (UK)
Trial website
Publications http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16095546
Contact name Prof  Tom  Cochrane
  Address Sport Health & Exercise
University of Staffordshire
Leek Road
  City/town Stafford
  Zip/Postcode ST4 2DF
  Country United Kingdom
  Tel +44 (0)1782 295 855
  Fax +44 (0)1782 294 321
  Email t.cochrane@staffs.ac.uk
Sponsor Department of Health (UK)
  Address Quarry House
Quarry Hill
  City/town Leeds
  Zip/Postcode LS2 7UE
  Country United Kingdom
  Email Sheila.Greener@doh.gsi.gov.uk
  Sponsor website: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/index.htm
Date applied 25/04/2003
Last edited 14/01/2008
Date ISRCTN assigned 25/04/2003
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