The GLA:D® Program is a standardised but individualised group-based exercise program, designed to be run in private practices, community health centres and hospital outpatient facilities. It supports clinicians to provide guideline-based education and exercise-therapy to people with hip and knee osteoarthritis.
It is provided by clinicians who have been trained and certified by GLA:D® Australia (see https://gladaustralia.com.au/training-course-information-for-clinicians/ for training information).
The GLA:D® Program is an education and supervised exercise program, involving:
- An initial assessment: 2 short outcome measures are completed (30 sec chair stand test and 40m walk test) (OARSI tests)
- 2 x group education sessions: ~60-90 mins duration, delivered preferably before participant starts.
- 12 x supervised group exercise sessions: ~60 mins duration, delivered twice weekly.
- A follow-up assessment: 3 months after the initial assessment, where the two outcome measures are measured again, and there is a review of goals and planning for next steps.
- Online questionnaires: Participants also complete an online questionnaire at baseline, 3 months and 12 months post initial assessment
Please note: all above components must be delivered by a GLA:D® certified clinician.
The GLA:D® Program is generally run as a group session, but can be run individually if needed, depending on the participant’s needs.
Providers set the cost of the Program at their organisation/clinic, with most private clinics charging between $500-$800. This varies depending on the community, clients, clinic, what is included in the bundle of services, and a range of other conditions.
We note that the private health insurance landscape is currently undergoing a period of change and we recommend clinicians individually discuss options with patients. Eligible participants will receive a rebate from their private health insurers. Supervised exercise sessions can be billed under a “Group Consultation”, item code 560 (physiotherapists) or 502 (accredited exercise physiologists), with eligible participants receiving a rebate from their private health insurers. Other funding codes through Private Health Chronic Disease Management Programs are currently being developed but are specific to the insurer.
Medicare-subsidised visits, under the MBS Chronic Disease Management Framework codes are only valid for 1:1 consultations, which could include the participant’s initial assessment, 3 month follow-up assessment and 1:1 supervised exercise sessions. To access this funding, people must be referred by the GP according to the current Department of Health requirements.
Apart from the specific private health insurance pilot programs, the GLA:D® program is provided as part of usual care, and usual fees/funding apply accordingly.
- Cost and length of education sessions: You might consider running these at no cost, but the value is at least the same as the exercise sessions. Different funding options may not reimburse participants for education – this is part of our advocacy work. These sessions will run from 1-1.5 hours depending on participant discussion.
- Number of exercise sessions a week: Minimum of 2-3 to provide some flexibility. Sessions require 60 minutes each.
- Number of participants per session: 4-6 depending on resources and number of exercise professionals available.
- Cost of NeMEx exercise sessions: Consider pricing GLA:D® sessions similarly to a Pilates class/other group sessions.
The following is the equipment needed for a GLA:D® class of 4:
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 Steps: Small / medium / large |
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 Sturdy chair x2 |
 Mirrors |
 Floor sliders /mats x4-6, balance mats x4-6, broomsticks x4-6 |
Projector /laptop and whitewall or screen for educational sessions |
Up to date defibrillator and advanced CPR certification |
Suitable spaces for classes:
- Small gym areas (~5m x 5m)
- Multipurpose rooms
- Pilates Studios
Education sessions:
- You will need a space to deliver these to participants, either in a small group or individually, and a large TV or Projector for the presentation.
Outcome measures:
- You will also need a walkway for assessment of fast walking speed.
• Lunges: https://nemex.trekeducation.org/lunges/
• Functional: https://nemex.trekeducation.org/functional/
• Knee strength: https://nemex.trekeducation.org/knee-strength/
• Hip strength: https://nemex.trekeducation.org/hip-strength/
• Trunk strength: https://nemex.trekeducation.org/trunk-strength/
Topics discussed in education sessions
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- Session 1: Osteoarthritis overview, risk factors and treatment.
- Session 2: Exercises for OA, everyday activities and OA, coping and self help topics.
- Optional Session 3: Discussion with a past participant, other relevant allied health professional (psychologist/counsellor/podiatrist/dietitan)
- Session 1: Osteoarthritis overview, risk factors and treatment.