PEAK PROGRAM
PEAK stands for Physiotherapy Exercise and physical Activity for Knee osteoarthritis. It is an evidence-based management program for individuals with knee osteoarthritis. The program was created by Professor Rana Hinman and Professor Kim Bennell - both physiotherapists and researchers from the University of Melbourne.
The PEAK program incorporates education, strengthening exercises, and physical activity interventions delivered during five consultations over three months. The program is delivered by physiotherapists in Australia and around the world.
Who is the PEAK program for?
The PEAK program is for individuals with knee osteoarthritis who fulfil the following inclusion/exclusion criteria.
Inclusion criteria:
- 45 years old or older
- activity-related knee joint pain
- morning knee stiffness ≤ 30 mins
- Passed the pre-exercise screening questions.
Exclusion criteria:
- inability to speak English
- on the waiting list for/planning knee/hip surgery in the next 12 months
- having a previous arthroplasty on the affected knee
- recent knee surgery (past 6 months)
- having undertaken physiotherapy or doing strengthening exercise for knee in the past 6 months
- self-reported inflammatory arthritis (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis)
- any neurological condition affecting lower limbs and/or any unstable/uncontrolled cardiovascular condition
Clearance to participate from a general practitioner will be required for anyone who has reported a fall (past 12 months), is housebound due to immobility, or fails to pass the pre-exercise screening questions.
How is the PEAK program delivered?
The PEAK program can be delivered online through tele-health consults via Zoom, or through face-to-face sessions in person at any of our three clinics – Ringwood, Knoxfield, or Yarra Valley.
What does the program involve?
The PEAK program consists of 5 consultations with a trained physiotherapist over the course of 10 weeks. During the consultations, your physiotherapist will assess your current level of function, provide you with education about your condition, monitor and progress a targeted exercise program, and support you throughout your journey. These consultations can be delivered online or in person.
In addition to the consultations, you will also have access to online resources. These resources include videos and a booklet of the exercises, a comprehensive educational booklet about knee osteoarthritis, and a logbook to keep track of your progression.
How is the PEAK program different to GLA:D?
PEAK and GLA:D are both excellent programs based on the best available research for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Both programs result in excellent outcomes but the main differences between the two programs are:
Delivery of the programPEAK can be delivered via tele-health and therefore can be done from home without ever having to attend the clinic. GLA:D on the other hand involves 2 in-person exercise sessions per week for 6 weeks. Therefore, if it is difficult for you to attend the clinic (due to work, life commitments, travel, etc.) PEAK may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, some individuals feel more motivated when attending an in-person program rather than doing it on their own.
Number of sessions involvedPEAK consists of 5 sessions over the course of 10 weeks. GLA:D consists of 2 exercise sessions per week over the course of 6 weeks, and an additional 2 educational sessions. Depending on your time commitments, one program may be more suitable than the other.
Knee or hip osteoarthritisThe PEAK program is only suited to knee osteoarthritis, whereas GLA:D is designed for both hip and knee osteoarthritis.
What is the evidence behind the PEAK program?
It is well documented in clinical guidelines that physical activity and exercise should be undertaken in all individuals with knee osteoarthritis. The PEAK program is based on these principles and further research by the program’s creators Rana Hinman and Kim Bennell. In their research, Rana and Kim found that individuals who undertook the program showed improvements in pain and function for at least 6 months.
Can I use my Private Health Insurance for the PEAK program?
Yes. If you have extras cover for physiotherapy you can claim each session as you go. The rebate amount will vary depending on your private insurance provider.
Do I need a medical clearance to participate?
You will need a medical clearance from your general practitioner if you have had a fall in the past 12 months, are housebound due to immobility, or fail to pass the pre-exercise screening questions.
