Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40249943›Full record

Trial reportJournal of medical Internet research2025

Effects of an e-Learning Program (Physiotherapy Exercise and Physical Activity for Knee Osteoarthritis [PEAK]) on Chinese Physical Therapists' Confidence and Knowledge: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Zi-Ru Wang, Yunqi Wang, Shuning Duan, Xier Chen, Guoxin Ni

Abstract readRandomized Controlled Trial
In one paragraph

Trial report in Journal of medical Internet research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Zi-Ru Wang *School of Sport Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4633-3161
Yunqi Wang *School of Physical Education and Health, Longyan University, Longyan, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1430-0877
Shuning DuanSchool of Sports Medicine, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8513-781X
Xier ChenSchool of Sports Medicine, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4300-219X
Guoxin NiDepartment of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9181-8155

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundKnee osteoarthritis (OA) presents a significant burden in China due to its high prevalence, aging population, and rising obesity rates. Despite clinical guidelines recommending evidence-based care, limited practitioner training and inadequate telehealth integration hinder effective OA management.

objectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an e-learning program in improving the confidence and knowledge of Chinese physical therapists in managing knee OA and to explore their perceptions of the program.

methodsThis was a randomized controlled trial with 2 parallel arms involving 81 rehabilitation practitioners from 18 Chinese provinces. The intervention group completed a 4-week web-based training program (Physiotherapy Exercise and Physical Activity for Knee Osteoarthritis [PEAK]-Chinese), while the control group received no training. The primary outcome was self-reported confidence in OA management (11-point scale). Secondary outcomes included knowledge (Chinese Knee Osteoarthritis Knowledge Scale [KOAKS]) and likelihood of clinical application of core OA treatments. Process measures and semistructured interviews captured participants' training perceptions. Quantitative data were analyzed using regression models, 2-sided t tests, and descriptive statistics, while thematic analysis was performed on the interview data of 10 participants.

resultsA total of 80 participants completed the outcome measures at 4 weeks. The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in confidence compared to the control group, including managing OA with exercise-based programs (adjusted mean difference=3.27, 95% CI 2.72-3.81), prescribing exercise (adjusted mean difference=3.13, 95% CI 2.55-3.72), and delivering telehealth (adjusted mean difference=4.41, 95% CI 3.77-5.05). KOAKS scores also improved significantly (mean change=9.46); however, certain belief bias related to OA concepts and the use of scans remained unchanged (25/41, 61% and 27/41, 66%, respectively). Approximately 73% (30/41) of the intervention participants rated the course as extremely useful. Interviews emphasized the need for cultural adaptation and practical telehealth training with real-life scenarios to enhance program applicability.

conclusionsThe PEAK program improved Chinese practitioners' confidence and knowledge in managing knee OA, underscoring e-learning's potential to support evidence-based OA care in China. To optimize future implementations, further research strategies could include enhancing cultural relevance, addressing misconceptions, and incorporating practical, real-world training.

trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Register ChiCTR2400091007; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=239680.

Indexed as

ExerciseExercise TherapyOsteoarthritis, KneePhysical TherapistsAdultChinaFemaleHumansMaleMiddle Agede-learningexercise therapyKnee Osteoarthritis Knowledge Scaleosteoarthritisphysiotherapisttelehealth

Identifiers

PMID40249943
PMCPMC12048791

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.