KArAT Clinical Trial
KArAT (Knee Arthroplasty Activity Trial) is a largemulti-site study testing whether one-on-one support from a health coach and small financial rewards can help people become more physically active after total knee replacement surgery.
Trial Overview
KArAT at a Glance
What type of study is the KArAT trial?
KArAT is a randomized controlled trial focused on behavior change. It tests whether personalized health coaching and small financial rewards can help people become more physically active after total knee replacement surgerysupporting recovery and long-term health.
How does the KArAT trial use health coaching to support recovery after knee replacement?
In the KArAT trialpatients may receive regular phone calls from a health coach starting about six weeks after surgery. The coach helps them set step goalsoffers encouragement and talks through challenges. This supportalong with activity tracking and small rewardsis designed to help patients stay active during recovery.
What happens when a patient is enrolled?
When a patient enrolls in the KArAT trialthey complete baseline surveys and wear an activity monitor for one week before knee replacement surgery. After surgerythey are randomly assigned to one of three groups: usual careusual care with a Fitbit trackeror usual care with a Fitbitpersonalized health coaching plus financial rewards. Participants are monitored for two years through periodic surveysactivity tracking and scheduled check-in calls. Those in the coaching group receive weekly or biweekly phone sessions and can earn financial incentives for meeting physical activity goals.
Are there risks associated with the study?
The KArAT study uses low-risk interventionsincluding remote health coachingwearable activity trackers and financial incentives. These components are generally safewith only minor issues like skin irritation or mild musculoskeletal strain reported in similar studies. Participants are monitored to ensure safety throughout the trial.
National Clinical Trial No. for the KArAT clinical trial
NCT04107649
For more information about the KArAT trialvisit ClinicalTrials.gov.
KArAT Trial
Rationale & Design
This manuscript outlines the rationalestudy design and implementation of the KArAT trialwhich is exploring incentives to increase activity after total knee arthroscopy.
Read ManuscriptScientific Publications
KArAT Presentation
Elena LosinaPhDlead principal investigator of the Knee Arthroplasty Activity Trial (KArAT) clinical trial and a professor of orthopedic surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospitalshares a technical overview of the KArAT trial and its progress. Check back for updates.
See the Presentation
Clinical Trial Sites
- Brigham and Women's HospitalBostonMA
- Principal Investigator: Elena LosinaPhDMSc
- Northwestern Memorial HospitalChicagoIL
- Site Principal Investigator: Rowland ChangMDMPH
- University of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKS
- Site Principal Investigator: Neil SegalMD
- University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEand ColumbusOH
- Site Principal Investigator: Elizabeth WellsandtPTDPTPhD
- University at BuffaloBuffaloNY
- Site Principal Investigator: Scott R. NodzoMD
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