Exploring Experiences of People With Hip Osteoarthritis Who Participated in a Multi-Component Lifestyle Intervention Involving Exercise and Weight Loss Diet Delivered via Telehealth: A Qualitative Study

OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences of people with hip osteoarthritis who participated in a lifestyle intervention involving exercise and, for those with overweight or obesity, an additional weight loss diet. DESIGN: Qualitative study underpinned by Interpretive Description paradigm embedded in a randomised controlled trial. METHODS: Semi-structured individual interviews with 20 people with hip osteoarthritis who completed a 6-month physiotherapist-prescribed exercise program and, for those with overweight/obesity, an additional dietitian-prescribed weight loss diet (very low energy diet). We conducted inductive reflexive thematic analysis to develop themes and sub-themes from the data, with the overarching goal of informing clinical practice and future research. RESULTS: Just over half (55%) of participants completed the combined exercise and diet program, while 45% (ineligible for the diet program) completed the exercise program only. Five themes were developed: (1) clinician guidance was paramount to success (provided accountability; provided encouragement and support); (2) ease and convenience of program (weight loss diet and meal replacements; video consultations); (3) challenges with exercise program (difficult exercises; cuff weights were difficult to use; adherence was a challenge for some; preference for some in-person contact with physiotherapist); (4) useful resources; (5) favourable outcomes (reduced hip pain and improved mobility; weight loss; increased knowledge and confidence). CONCLUSION: Participants had positive experiences with the intervention, particularly valuing clinician support, its overall ease and convenience, and the useful resources. Some found engaging with the exercise program to be challenging.