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Table 6 Comparison of FASA and SOLAS interventions

From: Using intervention mapping to develop a theory-driven, group-based complex intervention to support self-management of osteoarthritis and low back pain (SOLAS)

FASA intervention [35]

SOLAS intervention [36]a

Class structure

 ▪ 12 classes, twice weekly × 60 min × 6 weeks

 ▪ 15–20 min: review of participants progress since last session, weekly education topic—introduction by physiotherapist and group discussion

▪ 40–45 min: supervised group exercise

 ▪ 6 classes, once weekly × 90 min × 6 weeks

 ▪ 10 min: recap of previous session and review of participants’ progress towards achieving their weekly goal

▪ 25 min: weekly education topic—introduction by physiotherapist and group discussion

▪ 45 min: supervised group exercise

▪ 10 min: after exercises session review and participant action planning for weekly goal

Education and materials

Class

 

Class

 

1

Education: aims of the programme, cycle of change, review of FASA exercise programme

Materials: participant programme handbook

1

Education: aims of programme, back pain and OA causes, cycle of change, exercise recommendations, physical activity levels in Ireland, benefits of exercise/physical activity, review of SOLAS exercise programme, and goal setting

Materials: participant programme handbook

2

Joint pain and benefits of exercise, exercise recommendations

3

Goal setting and action plans

2

Education: activity-rest cycle and pacing activities, use of pedometer, walking technique, understanding pain, physical activity diary, goal setting and action plan

Materials: Yamax SW-200 Pedometer

4

Activity-rest cycle and pacing activities

5

Healthy diet

3

Education: balanced weight, obesity levels in Ireland, healthy eating, portion size, measuring waist circumference, physical activity diary, goal setting and action plan, food and drink diary

Materials: tape measure, Your Guide to Healthy Eating using the Food Pyramid, 101+ Square Meals

6

Heat and ice

7

Mid-way review

4

Education: mid-way review, evidence-based pain management with ice/heat, medication, TENS, acupuncture, physical activity diary, goal setting and action plan

8

Anxiety, mood and pain

9

Relaxation techniques

5

Education: anxiety, mood and pain, managing flare-ups, pain coping strategies, relaxation techniques and practice, physical activity diary, goal setting and action plan

Materials: relaxation CD

10

Drug management, dietary supplements, TENS, acupuncture

11

Managing flare-ups

6

Education: discharge planning, maintaining a good exercise routine in the long-term, local resources to support physical activity information, long-term physical activity diary, final goal setting and action plan, programme feedback

Materials: local resources to support physical activity leaflet, graduation certificate

12

Exercising in the long-term

  1. Supervised group exercise: range of general aerobic (n = 8: step ups, stationary cycling) and joint specific mobility and strengthening exercises for the lumbar spine (n = 4), hip (n = 6) and knee (n = 4) designed to increase participants’ participation in exercise and physical activity. The frequency and number of exercise stations completed is determined by each participant with support from the physiotherapist if needed
  2. aAdditions to SOLAS intervention in italics