A program to help frail elderly patients prepare for hip and knee replacement surgery

Getting Fit for Hip and Knee Replacement: The FitJoints Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial of a Multi-modal Intervention in Frail Patients With Osteoarthritis

Not applicable Interventional McMaster University · NCT05100966

This study is testing a new program to help frail older adults get ready for hip or knee replacement surgery to see if it can improve their recovery after the operation.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment192 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMcMaster University Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Calgary, Alberta and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05100966 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of a multimodal frailty reduction intervention for patients awaiting elective hip or knee replacement surgery. It aims to improve post-surgical outcomes by addressing the needs of frail elderly individuals, particularly in light of increased wait times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The intervention can be delivered either in person or virtually, following international guidelines on frailty reduction. This is the first multi-site randomized controlled trial to explore this approach, which is crucial given the rising number of frail patients in need of surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 60 and older who are pre-frail or frail and are scheduled for elective unilateral total hip or knee replacement surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with renal disorders, neuromuscular disorders, active cancer, inflammatory arthritis, or those unable to communicate in English without a caregiver will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance recovery and functional outcomes for frail elderly patients undergoing joint replacement surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using multimodal interventions for frailty reduction, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pre-frail (score of 1 or 2) or frail (score of 3-5)
* ≥ 60 years old
* Receiving elective unilateral total hip or knee replacement
* Waiting time for surgery is estimated to be between 4 to 15 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Renal disorder
* A neuromuscular disorder
* Active cancer
* Inflammatory arthritis
* Unable to speak or understand English and has no caregiver for translation
* Participating in another trial that involves protein supplementation
* Participating in an exercise program

Where this trial is running

Calgary, Alberta and 3 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hip OsteoarthritisKnee OsteoarthritisFrail elderlyArthroplastyPre-rehabilitation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.