Improving online exercise programs for adults with knee replacements
Official title: Optimizing a Remote-based Physical Activity Intervention for Adults with Total Knee Replacement
Funded at University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-10940877 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to improve an online exercise program called Energize! for adults who have had total knee replacement surgery, helping them get more active and stay healthy after their recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $616,809 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG088083-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10940877 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have had a total knee replacement at least 12 months prior.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone knee replacement surgery or those who are unable to engage in physical activity due to other medical conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance a remote-based physical activity program specifically designed for adults who have undergone total knee replacement (TKR). It addresses the common issue of low physical activity levels in this population by utilizing a fully automated internet platform called Energize!, which allows participants to plan, report, and receive feedback on their exercise routines. The study will explore various enhancements to this program to determine the most effective components for increasing physical activity among participants who are at least 12 months post-surgery. By employing a structured optimization strategy, the research seeks to create a scalable solution that can be accessible to a wide audience.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved physical activity levels and overall health outcomes for adults recovering from knee replacement surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using internet-based interventions for increasing physical activity, though this specific approach for TKR patients is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Carolina at Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pellegrini, Christine Ann — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Pellegrini, Christine Ann
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Self-powered knee implant load sensors to monitor total knee replacements
A tiny, self-powered sensor system is being developed to monitor the loads on a total knee replacement so doctors can keep an eye on implant health from afar.
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Remote-based physical activity program for adults after total knee replacement
A nationwide study tests a scalable, online program to help adults 12 months after knee replacement stay active and healthier without in-person visits.
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Self-powered knee implant that measures how your knee moves and bears weight inside the body
A new knee replacement implant will quietly power and transmit measurements of your knee’s movement and the forces across the joint during daily life.
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How neighborhood and social factors influence when people get knee replacement
This project looks at how neighborhood, healthcare access, and social circumstances affect when adults who need knee replacement actually receive surgery.
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Remote exercise program for people with knee replacements
Different online program features will be tried to help adults who had a total knee replacement become more active.
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Investigating how social factors affect the timing of total knee replacement surgery
This study looks at when people in the U.S. get knee replacement surgeries and how things like access to healthcare and living conditions affect that timing, so we can find ways to help more patients get the care they need when they need it.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.