Sandal LF et al. – This study investigated the influence of physical environment of the treatment room on exercise therapy. Matching the physical environment to the preferences of the patients contributes to treatment response and improve patient–reported outcomes.

Methods

• This was a mixed–method randomized controlled double–blind trial of middle–aged individuals with knee or hip pain.
• Eight weeks of exercise therapy was performed by patients in a newly built physically enhanced environment, a standard environment, or were waitlisted, receiving no intervention.
• The primary outcome was participants Global Perceived Effect.
• Nested focus group and individual interviews were conducted to gather experiences.

Results

• The treatment response was greater in the standard environment compared with the physically enhanced environment, whereas Waitlist group did not show any improvements.
• Participants from the standard environment had greater social cohesion and feeling at home.