Table 1. Characteristics of trials included the review.

Author (year) Design Country Total participants	Patient condition Diagnosis Mean age (years) %female Recruitment Study arms Participation rate (%)a	Intervention Content	Intervention Intensity/duration Delivery agent Other components	Comparison group(s)	Length of follow-up Attrition at final follow-up (%)b
Allen et al. (2010) RCT USA n = 523	Knee and/or hip OA Clinical assessment and radiographic evidence 60.1 7 Recruited from the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center 3 80	Information was grounded in SCT and focused on self-efficacy, managing osteoarthritis symptoms, goal setting and perceived facilitators and barriers. Modules included basic self-management, exercise, healthy eating and weight management, medications, joint injections and surgery, communication with health care providers, joint care and protection, complementary and alternative medicines, stress management and relaxation, sleep.	12 monthly calls over 12 months Health educator Written and audio education and an exercise video	Two comparison groups: 1. Usual care 2. Attention control: received written and audio education modules for common health problems and 12 monthly calls over 12 months to review education modules Both groups were combined for meta-analysis	12 months 2 VAS = 18
Allen et al. (2016) C-RCT USA n = 300	Knee and/or hip OA Clinical assessment and radiographic evidence 61.1 9 Recruited from the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center 2 84	Intervention focused on physical activity, weight management and cognitive behavioural pain management strategies, goal-setting and used MI strategies.	18 calls over 12 months (two calls per month for first 6 months, then monthly calls for last 6 months) Counsellor Written education, an exercise video, an audio CD of relaxation exercises	Usual care	12 months 9
Allen et al. (2017) C-RCT USA n = 537	Knee and/or hip OA Clinical assessment and radiographic evidence 63.3 74 Recruited from Duke University Health System community-based primary care clinics 4 NR; 82	Two telephone groups: 1. Patient intervention: Focused on physical activity, weight management, and cognitive behavioural strategies for managing pain. Goal setting and action planning were major intervention components. Motivational interviewing strategies were used throughout the intervention. 2. Patient-provider intervention: combination patient intervention and provider intervention (see comparison groups). Patient and patient-provider groups were combined for meta-analysis.	18 calls over 12 months (2 calls per month for first 6 months, then monthly calls for last 6 months) Counsellor Written education, an exercise video, an audio CD of relaxation exercises	Two comparison groups: 1. Provider intervention: providers received patient specific osteoarthritis treatment recommendations based on treatment guidelines however decisions regarding whether to recommend these treatments to patients were at the discretion of the providers 2. Usual care (comparison group for meta-analysis)	12 months 7
Bennell et al. (2017) RCT Australia n = 168c	Knee OA Based on clinical assessment 62.3 73 Recruited from advertisements in print, radio and social media, and trial research volunteer database 2 NR; 94	The physiotherapist provided education about osteoarthritis, benefits of physical activity/exercise and strategies to enhance adherence, prescribed an exercise program and assisted with goal setting and individual barriers.	6 monthly calls over 6 months Health professional Option of up to six additional calls, 5 x 30 min physiotherapy sessions including written education	Face-to-face Iv alone: 5 × 30 min physiotherapy sessions including written education	18 months 24
Blixen et al. (2004) RCT USA n = 32c	OA Physician assessment (diagnosis criteria not stated) 70.8 38 Recruited from arthritis/ rheumatology clinics in Midwestern hospitals 2 64	Self-management program including information on pathology, osteoarthritis medication, the interrelationship between emotional and physical components of pain, the importance of relaxation techniques, depression, the importance of regular exercise, weight management, goal setting, and communicating with health-care providers.	6 weekly calls over 6 weeks Advanced practice nurse Written and audio education	Usual care	6 months 3
Buhrman et al. (2004) RCT Sweden n = 56c	Chronic back pain Physician assessment (have back pain ≥3 months) 44.6 35 Recruited via newspapers and webpages 2 84	Based on CBT, the intervention included information about pain, physical exercise, activity pacing, ergonomics, external focusing and cognitive reconstruction, stress management, problem solving, sleeping disorders and maintaining coping strategies.	6 weekly calls over 6 weeks Graduate students trained in CBT Education via the internet and CD	Waiting-list control	2 months 9
Burks (2001) RCT USA n = 120c	Knee OA Based on clinical assessment 66.7 8 Recruited from Veteran Affairs primary care and specialty clinics 3 86	The self-management program included pain management, mobility and function, as well as tension and mood.	Three fortnightly calls over 6 weeks Primary care provider Written materials	Two comparison groups: 1. Usual care 2. Attention control: received written materials and 3 fortnightly calls over 6 weeks to answer questions only	3 months 12.5
Cuperus et al. (2015) RCT Netherlands n = 158c	OA Based on clinical assessment 60.0 90 Recruited from outpatient visits 2 67	The healthcare providers were trained in techniques of MI and teaching self-management principles. Session included information about osteoarthritis, pain management, medication, physical activity, activity pacing, food consumption, and goal setting regarding pain management and physical activity.	4 weekly calls over 4 weeks Rheumatology nurse 2 weekly in-clinic sessions over 2 weeks	Face-to-face Iv alone: received 6 weekly in-clinic sessions over 6 weeks	12 months 13
Damush et al. (2003) RCT USA n = 211	Acute low back pain Physician assessment (have back pain <3 months) 45.5 73 Recruited from the Regenstrief medical record system 2 52	The intervention based on a chronic back pain program and SCT focused on increasing self-efficacy and social support to self-manage low back pain. Further information on exercises, goal setting, problem solving and strategies to resolve potential barriers.	3 biweekly telephone calls (week 4, 6, 8) then 2 monthly calls over 2 months NR 3 weekly in-person classes over 3 weeks, written and audio materials	Usual care	12 months 34
Gialanella et al. (2017) RCT Italy n = 100c	Chronic neck pain Physician assessment (have back pain ≥6 months) 58.1 88 Recruited from physician consults 2 NR; could not be calculated	Education about regular physical activity and exercises and advice on solutions for persistent pain and any symptoms of exacerbation, use of medications.	12 fortnightly calls over 6 months Nurse Optional additional calls Written and illustrated material explaining exercises	Usual care	6 months 6
Goode et al. (2018) RCT USA n = 60c	Chronic low back pain Self-reported low back pain on most days for >3 months 70.3 7 Recruited from the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center 3 86	Two telephone groups: Physical activity group: intervention included a personalised exercise program, exercise and activity goal setting, assessment of exercise barriers, and education on condition, function, gate theory of pain and exercise and healthy eating. Physical activity + CBT group: intervention included the same as the physical activity group + CBT for pain skills e.g. overcoming pain-related barriers, progressive muscle relaxation.	Three calls every 4 weeks from physical therapist and 10 calls from exercise counsellor over 12 weeks Physical therapist and exercise counsellor One in-person session at baseline, written and illustrated materials explaining exercises, exercise video	Waiting-list control	3 months 17
Hughes et al. (2010) RCT USA n = 419	Knee and/or hip OA Based on clinical assessment 71.1 87 Recruited from local newspaper, media, and senior groups 2 86	Physical activity maintenance, facilitators/barriers to exercise. Training focused on background and application of the trans theoretical model and MI principles, described how to monitor physical activity participation, and provided strategies for setting goals, solving problems, and reinforcing progress.	Six fortnightly calls over 3 months and 12 monthly calls over 12 months Fit and Strong! Instructor Group 1 Negotiated with telephone Individualised plans for physical activity. Option to attend a facility-based class, use facility- or home-based equipment over 16 months Group 2 Mainstream with telephone Referred to an existing group/facility-based best-practice program offered at the same senior centre for 1hr 3×/week over 16 months	Face-to-face Iv alone: Group 1 Negotiated no telephone Individualised plans for physical activity. Option to attend a facility-based class, use facility- or home-based equipment over 16 months Group 2 Mainstream no telephone Referred to an existing group/facility-based best-practice program offered at the same senior centre for 1hr 3x/week over 16 months	18 months 38
Iles et al. (2011) RCT Australia n = 30c	Acute low back pain Physiotherapist assessment (onset back pain within previous 8 weeks) 39.5 40 Recruited from physiotherapy outpatient clinic 2 NR; 77	Coaching included techniques such as MI to increase the perceived importance of the activity and cognitive behavioural strategies to increase confidence in activity, and goal setting and potential barriers to return to activity.	4 weekly calls over 4 weeks (week 1–4) then one call at week 7 Physiotherapist No other components	Usual care	3 months 13
Li et al. (2017) RCT Canada n = 34c	Knee OA Physician confirmed or clinical assessment 55.5 82 Recruited from social media and emails from the arthritis and research groups 2 74	Intervention included education about physical activity, including the benefits of physical activity, the detrimental effects of sedentary behaviour, and ways to be active without aggravating OA symptoms. Calls focused on activity goals, identifying barriers and solutions, and building confidence to implement the physical activity plan.	4 weekly calls over 4 weeks Physiotherapy 1 in-clinic sessions at baseline + a Fitbit to wear to track physical activity behaviour	Waiting-list control	1 month 0
Maisiak, Austin & Heck, (1996) RCT USA n = 186c	Knee and/or hip OA Physician assessment (diagnosis criteria not stated) 60.5 92 Recruited from the Arthritis Information Service 3 ∼75	Intervention included 6 categories of patient behaviour: patient-physician communication, medication compliance, and removing barriers to medical care, symptom reviews, self-care activities, and stress control.	Five fortnightly calls over 3 months (first call at week 2), then six calls at 4-week intervals over 6 months Counsellor No other components	Two comparison groups: 1. Usual care 2. Attention control: received 11 contacts over 9 months for the purpose of symptom monitoring only Both groups were combined for meta-analysis	9 months 6
Mazzuca et al. (1997) Non-RCT USA n = 211	Knee OA Clinical assessment and radiographic evidence 62.5 85 Recruited from the Regenstrief medical record system 2 NR; could not be calculated	Core content areas included quadriceps-strengthening exercises, control of joint pain with thermal modalities, and joint protection, and medication use for those prescribed.	Two calls over 1 month (at week 1 and at 1 month) Arthritis nurse educator 1 in-clinic education session and pamphlet	Attention control: received an audio-visual presentation, a newsletter and a call at week 1 and at 1 month to reinforce participation only	12 months 19
O’Brien et al. (2018) RCT Australia n = 120c	Knee OA Physician assessment and self-reported pain due to knee OA >3 months 61.6 62 Recruited from outpatient orthopaedic consultation waiting list 2 88	Brief telephone advice and education about the benefits of weight loss and physical activity for knee osteoarthritis and referral to the NSW Get Healthy Service which aims to support adults to make sustained lifestyle improvements including diet, physical activity and achieving a healthy weight, and where appropriate, access to smoking cessation services	Brief call at baseline + 10 calls over 6 months Trained telephone interviewers (brief education) + University qualified health coaches Printed support material	Usual care	6 months 3
Odole & Ojo (2013) RCT Nigeria n = 50c	Knee OA Physician assessment (diagnosis criteria not stated) 55.5 48 Recruited from physiotherapy outpatient clinic 2 NR; could not be calculated	Standardised home-exercise program.	Three calls a week over 6 weeks Physiotherapist Standardised exercise program manual and exercise log book	Face-to-face Iv alone: received standardised exercise program in the clinic 3 times a week for 6 weeks	6 weeks 0
De Rezende et al. (2016) RCT Brazil n = 228c	Knee OA Clinical assessment and radiographic evidence 65 NR Recruited during clinical care and from telephone calls 2 75	Lectures and workshops on the anatomy of a joint and the pathology of osteoarthritis, its causes, irreversibility, and management, coping skills, medication, importance of physical activity, protecting joints, well-balanced diet, and how patients could and should include habits of regular leisure, sports and social gathering, and tasks.	Group 1a 1 call 2 months after final lecture Health professional 2 lectures 1 month apart, educational handout and video Group 2a 1 call 2 months after final lecture Health professional 2 lectures 2 months apart, educational handout and video Group 3a 1 call 2 months after final lecture Health professional 2 lectures 3 months apart, educational handout and video Group 4a 1 call 2 months after receiving intervention material Health professional Educational handout and video	Face-to-face Iv alone: Group 1b Received 2 lectures 1 month apart, educational handout and video Group 2b Received 2 lectures 2 months apart, educational handout and video Group 3b Received 2 lectures 3 months apart, educational handout and video Group 4b Received an educational handout and video	12 months 13
Rutledge et al. (2018) RCT USA n = 66c	Chronic low back pain Clinical assessment 53.3 38 Recruited by flyers posted in primary care clinic waiting areas, clinician referrals, and paid advertisements in public media 2 81%	The core content topics included pain management, stress management, cognitive changes, assertive communication, and goal setting.	11 calls over 8 weeks Mental health therapist 1 in-clinic session and written education materials	Attention control: Supportive Care treatment included education by distribution of a standard text, The Back Pain Help Book, active listening by the therapist to participant’s concerns, support, recommendations to follow the advice of their caretakers providing usual medical care	2 months 14
Thomas et al. (2002) RCT England n = 786	Knee OA Questions were used to define patients (“Have you ever had pain in or around the knee on most days for at least a month”) 62 64 Recruited by mail from general practice records 4 NR; 93	Exercise programme, advice on the management of knee pain.	24 monthly calls over 24 months Trained researcher Exercise program; four home visits in the first 2 months, plus follow-up visits at 6 monthly intervals	Face-to-face Iv alone: Included 2 groups; exercise only group: four home visits in the first 2 months, plus follow-up visits at 6 monthly intervals and control group: no intervention. Both groups were combined for analysis by authors	24 months 13
Weinberger et al. (1989) RCT USA n = 439	OA Clinical assessment and radiographic evidence 62.3 88 Recruited by primary care physicians 4 75	Two telephone groups: the telephone group and the telephone + clinic group. Both consisted of brief interviewers focusing on: medications (i.e. side effects, compliance, whether the supply was sufficient to last until the next appointment), joint pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, other chronic diseases, all scheduled outpatient visits, an existing process by which patients could telephone a GMP provider, barriers to keeping their clinic appointments.	11 monthly calls over 11 months Trained nonmedical personnel Scheduled in-clinic visits	Two comparison groups: 1. Usual care 2. Face-to-face Iv alone: attended scheduled in-clinic visits	11 months 10.3
Williams et al. (2018) RCT Australia n = 160c	Chronic low back pain Physician assessment and self-reported chronic low back pain >3 months 56.7 59 Recruited from outpatient orthopaedic consultation waiting list 2 89	Brief telephone advice including information that a broad range of factors contribute to the experience of low back pain and potential benefits of weight loss and physical activity for reducing low back pain and referral to the NSW Get Healthy Service which aims to support adults to make sustained lifestyle improvements including diet, physical activity and achieving a healthy weight, and where appropriate, access to smoking cessation services	Brief call at baseline + 10 calls over 6 months Trained telephone interviewers (brief education) + University qualified health coaches Clinical in-person consultation (Physiotherapist) and printed support material	Usual care	6 months 12

Notes:

CBT, cognitive behaviour therapy; C-RCT, cluster randomised controlled trial; GMP, General Medicine Practice; Iv, intervention; MI, motivational interviewing; NR, not reported; OA, osteoarthritis; RCT, randomised controlled trial; SCT, social cognitive theory; VAS, visual analogue scale.

^aIf not reported, participation rate was calculated as percentage participating of those reached and eligible.

^bAttrition reported at each time-point for all outcomes or by individual outcomes if different.

^cSmall trial (sample size <100 per group).