KNEED vs. GLA:D® — What’s the Difference?
- Plato Weight Management
- Jun 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 9
When it comes to managing knee osteoarthritis (OA), particularly in individuals living with obesity, it’s important to understand that not all treatment models are created equal.
GLA:D® (Good Life with osteoArthritis from Denmark) is a well-known physiotherapy program that’s been used successfully around the world. It includes 2–3 education sessions and 12 supervised group exercise classes, all delivered in person over 8 weeks. Studies have shown GLA:D® can reduce pain by 26–33% and improve walking speed by 7–13% in general OA populations.
So why did we build KNEED instead of just delivering GLA:D®? Because people with obesity-related knee OA need something different—something more tailored, more flexible, and more sustainable. Here’s how the two programs compare:
1. KNEED Tackles Weight—GLA:D® Doesn’t
For people with obesity-related OA, extra weight is the core issue driving joint stress, pain, and eventual surgery. GLA:D® focuses on exercise and education, but it doesn’t include structured dietary care. KNEED puts weight loss front and centre, combining physiotherapy with clinical nutrition support to reduce joint load at the root.
2. KNEED Integrates Dietetic Care—GLA:D® Can’t
GLA:D® packs 14 sessions into just 8 weeks. Adding weekly sessions with a dietitian on top of that? It’s simply too much for most people to manage. In contrast, KNEED follows the Bennell protocol, which spaces out care over 6 months—allowing time for both rehab and nutrition to work together without overwhelming the participant.
3. KNEED Is One-to-One and Fully Remote—GLA:D® Is In-Person and Group-Based
GLA:D® relies on in-person, group classes. But group video exercise isn’t ideal for people with obesity, who often need customised support and movement modifications. KNEED uses individual physiotherapy sessions, delivered remotely, so care is private, safe, and tailored to the person’s needs.
4. KNEED Supports Long-Term Outcomes—GLA:D® Fades Over Time
Physio works—but research shows its benefits start to fade if not sustained with ongoing behavioural support. KNEED is designed to break that cycle. By combining pain relief with structured dietary and behavioural support, we help people stay motivated, avoid flare-ups, and make lasting change.
5. KNEED Was Built for People with Obesity—GLA:D® Wasn’t
GLA:D® is excellent for people with general OA, including those of normal weight. But KNEED is based on the Bennell protocol, which was specifically developed for people with obesity-related OA. It was designed for this exact population—and the outcomes prove it.
6. KNEED Allows Delayed Physio if Needed—GLA:D® Requires Immediate Participation
Not everyone can dive into an exercise class right away. Some people need to reduce pain and joint load first. KNEED makes that possible by allowing physio to start after initial weight loss, if needed. This flexibility helps ensure people are ready to move—safely and confidently.
7. KNEED Is Nationally Scalable—GLA:D® Needs Local Clinics
GLA:D® requires local clinics, group spaces, and in-person staffing. That limits its reach. KNEED, on the other hand, is fully digital—designed for national rollout with minimal infrastructure. That means we can reach rural communities, scale faster, and collect real-time outcome data for quality assurance and insurer reporting.
The Bottom Line
GLA:D® is a great program—but it wasn’t built for people with obesity-related knee OA, and it’s not easily adapted for digital delivery.
Commentaires