045 Is there scope to implement the evidence-based Walk With Ease programme more widely in the United Kingdom? A mixed-methods feasibility study

Walk With Ease Research Study Team

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Walk With Ease (WWE) is an evidence-based walking programme for adults with arthritis, delivered in the community over 6-weeks in instructor-led groups or as self-directed. This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-recommended physical activity programme has been successfully adopted throughout the United States of America, demonstrating participant improvements in physical function, pain, stiffness and fatigue. The purpose of this feasibility study was to examine the relevance, acceptability and experiences of introducing WWE into a United Kingdom (UK) context.

Methods: This study involved initial cultural adaptation and implementation of the WWE programme, an online-survey of UK community organisations and narrative interviews exploring participants’ experiences and key stakeholders’ perception of WWE. Recruitment was primarily via invitation letter to persons registered in selected general practitioner surgeries. Eligibility criteria included: ⩾18 years, doctor diagnosed arthritis, self-reported joint symptoms in last 30 days, BMI ⩾ 25 kg/m2, and <150 min/week of moderate/vigorous activity. Mixed-methods analysis integrated quantitative (physical performance assessment and survey data collected at baseline and post-6 week programme; online-survey) and qualitative data (narrative interviews).

Results: Ninety-seven participants were randomly allocated the WWE programme: 52 chose instructor-led; 45 chose self-directed. Follow-up was 80.4% at 6-weeks and 82.5% at 18-weeks (eight withdrew from the study). Participants were generally women (70%) and aged ⩾60 years (77%), reporting osteoarthritis (58%), back pain (53%), rheumatoid arthritis (13%), and/or fibromyalgia (11%). At 6 weeks, 99% reported that they would recommend WWE to family/friends; 81% were satisfied with the programme. About half reported being at least moderately better in physical health (47%) and emotional well-being (53%). These findings were reflected in physical performance assessments, i.e., statistically significant differences representing improvement were observed at 6 weeks from baseline for lower-extremity strength, walking speed, endurance. Participants reported improvements not only to their arthritis (e.g. pain) but other medical conditions as well, which was viewed positively. Additionally, participants credited WWE for increasing confidence and motivation to undertake activity and appreciated the structured nature of the programme. Those in the instructor-led group highlighted the increased sense of well-being that came from being a member of a group, particularly with those who had shared experiences of having an arthritis/musculoskeletal condition. Stakeholder interviews and online-survey results indicate that features of the WWE programme provided a model of good practice (e.g., programme structure; format flexibility; 5-step walking pattern) and could be adopted by existing organised walking groups. Also identified were modifiable barriers to implementation and sustainability.

Conclusion: Findings indicate scope for wider implementation of WWE within a UK context. Provision of this evidence-based walking programme for people with arthritis who need self-management support can help to improve the physical health and overall well-being among these patients.

Disclosures: K.R. Martin: Grants/research support; The Walk With Ease study (Grant ref: 21414) is being funded as a joint working programme between Versus Arthritis and Pfizer Ltd, in partnership with the Chief Scientist’s Office of the Scottish Gover. K. Stelfox: Grants/research support; The Walk With Ease study (Grant ref: 21414) is being funded as a joint working programme between Arthritis Research UK and Pfizer Ltd, in partnership with the Chief Scientist’s Office of the Scottish. S. Gaihre: Grants/research support; The Walk With Ease study (Grant ref: 21414) is being funded as a joint working programme between Arthritis Research UK and Pfizer Ltd, in partnership with the Chief Scientist’s Office of the Scottish. Z.J. Morrison: Grants/research support; The Walk With Ease study (Grant ref: 21414) is being funded as a joint working programme between Arthritis Research UK and Pfizer Ltd, in partnership with the Chief Scientist’s Office of the Scottish. T.O. Smith: Grants/research support; The Walk With Ease study (Grant ref: 21414) is being funded as a joint working programme between Arthritis Research UK and Pfizer Ltd, in partnership with the Chief Scientist’s Office of the Scottish.
Original languageEnglish
Article numberkez106.044
Number of pages1
JournalRheumatology
Volume58
Issue numberSupplement 3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Apr 2019

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of '045 Is there scope to implement the evidence-based Walk With Ease programme more widely in the United Kingdom? A mixed-methods feasibility study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this