The experiences of physical therapists delivering a very low energy diet and exercise intervention for weight loss in people with knee osteoarthritis: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Exercise and weight loss are core treatments for knee osteoarthritis (OA). While physical therapists are considered well placed to engage in weight management alongside exercise (not replacing dietician care), evidence surrounding physical therapist-delivered weight loss interventions is sparse. Objective: To understand the experiences and perceptions of physical therapists delivering a very low energy diet (VLED) and exercise intervention to people with knee OA and overweight or obesity in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Methods: Qualitative interview study involving six physical therapists (mean age 34 years, median experience 3.5 years) who completed 20 hours of training ..