Knee pain is not an elderly “privilege”. As much as 26.9% of the population is suffering from it. Over the past 20 years, knee pain has tripled in women and more than quadrupled in men. Muscle strengthening exercises are effective in relieving knee pain, a majority however fall short of the recommended level of physical activity due to lack of promotion, absence of effective, accessible and achievable exercise programmes, and not being able to maintain an active lifestyle.

The team has developed an exercise programme which is easy to perform, simple to remember and suitable for all ages, ensuring good compliance. Participants will be coached by peer ambassadors, who are trained beforehand by a mentoring team of sports medicine doctors, physiotherapists and sports trainers. To ensure that participants build rapport with them, these ambassadors are recruited from all walks of life: from young university students unaware of the importance of prevention, to more health-oriented persons at sports venues with higher risks of injuries, and less active retirees with higher risks of degenerative knee conditions.
The team is also developing a website and smartphone application for participants to voice questions and keep tabs on their progress, according to which virtual prizes are awarded to maintain motivation in continuing with the programme.

The team raises public awareness about the signs and symptoms of knee problems, as well as gives professional tips on dos and don’ts for knee health. The sustainable programme may ensure long-lasting effects in alleviating a daily-life discomfort, thus reducing the burden on the public health system. An alumni group will be formed to facilitate dissemination of updated knowledge and skills, providing a social network among the group for enhancing the exchange of knowledge, and sustainability of the programme benefits.

– 60 ambassadors– 1800 participants (peers of ambassadors)– 1800 friends or family members of participants

2019

Active Ageing, Healthcare, Well-being