Medibank and The University of Melbourne have partnered to design and test Better Knee, Better Me™ - a six month program that aims to provide information, help, and support to members with knee pain, regardless of where they live. Take the below survey to find out if you are eligible to take part in this Australian first study. You can learn more about the Better Knee, Better Me™ study in the plain language statement.
Any personal and sensitive health information collected from you in this form and the Better Knee, Better Me screening process will be treated as confidential, and is collected by the University of Melbourne for the sole purposes of assessing your eligibility for the Better Knee, Better Me research study being conducted the by University of Melbourne. This information will be destroyed if you do not participate in the study and not wish to be contacted about future research opportunities. If you participate in the study, further information about how your information will be handled will be provided to you in an information sheet and consent form for the study.
The study information sheet can be viewed here. Alternatively, you can wait and read the full information sheet only if the screening questions indicate that this study may be suitable for you:
Better Knee, Better Me plain language statement
If you participate in this study, you will be allocated to one of three groups. All participants will receive information and advice to help them manage their knee pain. The way the help is given and the specific programs offered will differ depending on the group you are in. You cannot choose which group you are in. This type of study is known as a ‘randomised trial’.
The three treatment groups are:
i) Website (Information group). A new website has been developed by experts and based on the most recent research findings. It has information and advice on things you can do to help reduce the pain you experience and make it easier for you to do the things you want to do. The website will include some ideas for exercises and losing weight and information to help you compare the different treatment options that are available for people with knee OA. You may access the website at your convenience over the entire 12-month period.
ii) Website + physiotherapist consultations. In addition to the website, the people allocated to this group will have 6 consultations over the internet with a physiotherapist who has specialist knowledge about managing knee OA. The consultations will take approximately 20-45 minutes and will be spread over the first 6 months. The physiotherapist will provide education about OA and treatment options, advice and support to help you manage your knee OA. The physiotherapist will work with you to develop personalised goals and a tailored management plan with your verbal consent. Plans may include a strengthening exercise program that can be performed at home, a physical activity plan, and help with other self-management strategies. You will be encouraged to keep going with your plan after your physiotherapy consultations finish.
iii) Website + physiotherapist and dietitian consultations with weight loss program. This program aims to provide active weight loss support in addition to the services provided by the website + physiotherapist consultations program. It includes 6 consultations over the internet with a physiotherapist and 6 consultations over the internet with a dietitian who has specialist knowledge of knee OA and the Very Low Calorie/ketogenic diet. All consultations will take approximately 20-45 minutes and will be spread over the first 6 months. The weight loss program is a Very Low Calorie, low-fat and low-carbohydrate diet that requires you to initially replace two meals per day with meal replacement products (shake, bar or soup) and prepare a low-carbohydrate, low-fat meal for the third meal of the day. Participants are encouraged to aim to lose at least 10% of their body weight within 6 months. The program is delivered with support from the dietitians and overseen by medical specialists. The length of time that you replace your meals will depend upon your weight loss goals and your rate of weight loss. Long term weight maintenance strategies and tips for coping with the triggers for unhealthy food choices will be addressed during the program to help people to maintain their weight loss after their dietitian support finishes.
To see if you're eligible to participate, please answer the following questions: