Table 1 An example of applying the PAR-Q to determine eligibility for the randomized controlled trial
PAR-Q questions | Action |
|---|---|
General health section | |
6. Do you currently have (or have had within the past 12 months) a bone, joint, or soft tissue problem that could be made worse by becoming more physically active? | If “yes” due ONLY to knee OA, answer follow-up questions 1a and 1b of PAR-Q |
If “yes” due to other problems, complete entire follow-up section | |
Follow-up section | |
1a. Do you have difficulty controlling your condition with medications or other physician-prescribed therapies? | If “yes”, the person will require physician clearance |
If “no”, the person passes this criterion | |
1b. Do you have joint problems causing pain, recent fracture or fracture caused by osteoporosis or cancer, displaced vertebra, and/or spondylolysis/pars defect? | If “yes” ONLY to knee OA causing pain, then ask clarifying questions below |
If “yes” to other conditions, the person will require physician clearance | |
Clarifying questions | |
1. How severe are your symptoms after physical activity? | If mild symptoms for <2 h, no physician clearance necessary |
2. After physical activity, do your symptoms last longer than 2 h? | Otherwise, require physician clearance |