A multicentre, pragmatic, parallel group, randomised controlled trial to compare the clinical and cost-effectiveness of three physiotherapy-led exercise interventions for knee osteoarthritis in older adults: the BEEP trial protocol (ISRCTN: 93634563)

Table 1 Summary of the BEEP trial interventions

Key features	Usual physiotherapy care	Individually tailored exercise	Targeted exercise adherence
Number of sessions	Up to 4 sessions	6 to 8 sessions	8 to 10 sessions
Time period of treatment	Up to 12 weeks	Up to 12 weeks	Up to 6 months
General education	Advice and information booklet	Advice and information booklet	Advice and information booklet
Exercise focus	Focus on lower limb exercise	Focus on lower limb exercise	Focus on both lower limb and general exercise. Signposting and support to engage in general physical activity opportunities in local community
Individualisation	Exercises selected from a pre-printed, standardised written template	Exercises individually prescribed for each patient, supported by an individualised, written exercise programme	Exercises individually prescribed for each patient, supported by an individualised, written exercise programme
Progression	Minimal progression	Good progression	Good progression
Supervision	Minimal supervision	Good supervision	Good supervision
Exercise monitoring	No exercise diary	Exercise diary	Exercise and physical activity diaries
Provision of follow-up	No follow-up after 12 weeks	No follow-up after 12 weeks	Follow-up and monitoring contacts (telephone or face to face) through to 6 months

ISSN: 1471-2474