The CHAIN intervention (cycling and education) resulted in a statistically significant improvement in Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) ADL subscale compared to usual physiotherapy care (p=0.0023).
The adjusted mean difference between groups was 6.9 points, narrowly missing the predefined minimum clinically important difference (MCID) of 7.4.
Economic analysis revealed an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of £4,092 per QALY, well within the UK NICE threshold for value.
Community-based group exercise programs offer a feasible and safe alternative to traditional hospital-centered physiotherapy for hip osteoarthritis management.
