#36: Should physiotherapists provide dietary advice to individuals with knee osteoarthritis? With Professor Kim Bennell

In this episode of The Shoulder Physio podcast, I am joined by Kim Bennell, a professor and research physiotherapist from the University of Melbourne. Kim has been involved in designing and implementing dozens of clinical trials over her many years of research and is a true giant of the physiotherapy profession. 

In this episode we discuss something novel. We venture into the world of physiotherapists providing dietary advice for people with knee osteoarthritis, which might be controversial. Kim has just published a landmark clinical trial on this very topic. 

We also delve into exercise for knee and hip osteoarthritis and whether there is an ideal dose or adherence level that leads to superior clinical outcomes. This is based on a recent review and there is some surprising results. 

Don't miss this enlightening episode with professor Kim Bennell.

Key Papers:

1. Allison K et al. Alternative models to support weight loss in chronic musculoskeletal conditions: effectiveness of a physiotherapist-delivered intensive diet programme for knee osteoarthritis, the POWER randomised controlled trial. Br J Sports Med. 2024 May 2;58(10):538-547. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-107793. PMID: 38637135.2. 

2. Lawford BJ et al. How Does Exercise, With and Without Diet, Improve Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis? A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial Exploring Potential Mediators of Effects. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2023 Nov;75(11):2316-2327. doi: 10.1002/acr.25140. Epub 2023 Jun 15. PMID: 37128836; PMCID: PMC10952828.

3. Marriott KA et al. Are the Effects of Resistance Exercise on Pain and Function in Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis Dependent on Exercise Volume, Duration, and Adherence? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2024 Jun;76(6):821-830. doi: 10.1002/acr.25313. Epub 2024 Apr 15. PMID: 38317328.

4. Bailey DL, Holden MA, Foster NE, et al. Defining adherence to therapeutic exercise for musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2020;54:326-331.

5. Nicolson PJA, Hinman RS, Wrigley TV, Stratford PW, Bennell KL. Self-reported Home Exercise Adherence: A Validity and Reliability Study Using Concealed Accelerometers. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2018 Dec;48(12):943-950. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2018.8275. Epub 2018 Jul 27. PMID: 30053792.

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Connect with Jared and guests:

Jared on Instagram: @‌shoulder_physio

Jared on Twitter: @‌jaredpowell12

Kim on Twitter: @kimbennell

The Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine (CHESM): @CHESM_unimelb

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