Exploring Experiences of People With Hip Osteoarthritis Who Participated in a Multicomponent Lifestyle Intervention Involving Exercise and Weight Loss Diet Delivered via Telehealth: A Qualitative Study

OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences of people with hip osteoarthritis who participated in a lifestyle intervention involving exercise and, for those with overweight or obesity, an additional weight loss diet. DESIGN: Qualitative study underpinned by interpretive description paradigm embedded in a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured individual interviews with 20 people with hip osteoarthritis who completed a 6-month physical therapist–prescribed exercise program and, for those with overweight/obesity, an additional dietitian-prescribed weight loss diet (very low energy diet). We conducted inductive reflexive thematic analysis to develop themes and subthemes from the data, with the overarching goal of informing clinical practice and future research. RESULTS: Just over half (55%) of participants completed the combined exercise and diet program, while 45% (ineligible for the diet program) completed the exercise program only. Five themes were developed: (1) clinician guidance was paramount to success (provided accountability, provided encouragement and support); (2) ease and convenience of program (weight loss diet and meal replacements, video consultations); (3) challenges with exercise program (difficult exercises; cuff weights were difficult to use; adherence was a challenge for some; preference for some in-person contact with physical therapist); (4) useful resources; and (5) favorable outcomes (reduced hip pain and improved mobility, weight loss, increased knowledge and confidence). CONCLUSION: Participants had positive experiences with the intervention, particularly valuing clinician support, its overall ease and convenience, and the useful resources. Some found engaging with the exercise program to be challenging. JOSPT Open 2026;4(2):204-214. Epub 16 February 2026. doi:10.2519/josptopen.2026.0197