Cost effectiveness of a two-year home exercise program for the treatment of knee pain

Objective. To assess the cost effectiveness of a 2-year home exercise program for the treatment of knee pain. Methods. A total of 759 adults aged >= 45 years were randomized to receive exercise therapy, monthly telephone contact, exercise therapy and telephone contact, or no intervention. Efficacy was measured using self-reported knee pain at 2 years. Costs to both the National Health Service and to the patient were included. Results. Exercise therapy was associated with higher costs and better effectiveness. Direct costs for the interventions were 112 pound for the exercise program and 61 pound for the monthly telephone support. Participants allocated to receive exercise therapy were significantly more likely to incur higher medical costs than those in the no-exercise groups (mean difference 225; pound 95% confidence interval 218 pound, 232; pound P < 0.001). Conclusion. Exercise therapy is associated with improvements in knee pain, but the cost of delivering the exercise program is unlikely to be offset by any reduction in medical resource use.